UPDATE #2
INCIDENT TYPE: Officer-Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 8641 East 30th St.
INDIANAPOLIS - Following threat assessments related to the officer-involved shooting on April 20, 2023, at 8641 East 30th St., IMPD Chief Randal Taylor identified the officers involved as 5-year veteran Jonathon Phelps, 5-year veteran Matthew Harris, 8-year veteran Sergio De Leon and 15-year veteran John Wallace.
Officer Phelps and Officer De Leon both received gunshot wounds during this incident. They continue to recover from their injuries.
IMPD will continue to be fair and transparent with our community while protecting the integrity of criminal investigations, and officer safety. IMPD formalized a policy in 2020 which outlines when and how officers involved in critical incidents should be identified to the public.
This policy solidifies IMPD’s practice of conducting a threat assessment by the IMPD Intelligence Unit following a critical incident and prior to releasing the names of the officers involved to protect the officer and their families. This policy ensures information is provided to the public as soon as possible.
This incident is being investigated by IMPD’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). Detectives are working with the Marion County Prosecutors Office, and the Marion County Forensic Services Agency to ensure a fair and thorough investigation is completed.
A separate internal investigation is being conducted by IMPD’s Internal Affairs Unit to ensure compliance with departmental policy, as is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting.
The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing for any use of deadly force against a person. The Use of Force Review Board will make an advisory finding related to this incident which will be limited to determining whether the officer’s actions were within departmental policy.
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UPDATE #1
INCIDENT TYPE: Officer-Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 8641 East 30
th St.
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Sgt. Mark Prater,
[email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to
[email protected] *
The IMPD officers shot during the incident have both been released from the hospital. IMPD would like to thank the community who shared words of support for these officers and all of the IMPD officers involved in this incident.
Earlier today, the Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased suspect as 46-year-old Daniel Yefter Ghebrehiwet.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Critical Incident Response Team identified the passenger as 31-year-old Darnell Harmon. Harmon was placed under arrest for an unrelated narcotics warrant out of Marion County cause number 49D21-2208-F4-021843. The original charges for that case were Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of a Narcotic Drug. Harmon was also arrested for Resisting Law Enforcement and Residential Entry for his alleged role in yesterday’s events.
The Marion County Prosecutors Office will review the charges and make a final charging decision. Harmon should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
**
INCIDENT TYPE: Officers Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 8641 East 30
th St
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Sgt. Mark Prater,
[email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to
[email protected]*
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Thursday, April 20, 2023, just after 12:40 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department IMPD) detectives assigned to the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF) working with the Lawrence Police Department, were conducting a firearms investigation. Detectives with ICGTF attempted to conduct a traffic stop along East 30
th Street and N. Post Rd. The driver refused to stop, and a pursuit occurred. Officers attempted two Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuvers, in attempts to stop the fleeing vehicle. Both were unsuccessful. The vehicle then turned south into a business parking lot, continued southbound down the east side of the building and then into a grassy area along the back of some residential houses. There, the vehicle was unable to continue due to terrain. Gunfire was then exchanged between the driver and the officers.
Four IMPD officers discharged their service weapons striking the driver. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger ran from the vehicle and was apprehended a short time later without incident. Two of the four officers, who discharged their service weapons sustained gunshot wounds and were transported by assisting officers to Eskenazi Hospital in stable condition.
No uninvolved citizens were injured during this incident.
Detectives located a rifle next to the suspect (a photo of the firearm is attached).
The officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, which were activated during this incident.
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office will be assisting and will determine the exact manner and cause of death. The Marion County Coroner’s Officer (MCCO) will release the decedent's names once a proper next-of-kin notification has been made. Detectives are confident there is no ongoing threat to the community. There is no suspect outstanding.
The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal investigation.
A separate administrative investigation is being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs. The officers who fired their guns have been placed on administrative leave as is standard procedure in an officer involved shooting investigation.
The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing for any attempted use of deadly force against a person. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process.
The Police Officer Support Team (POST) responded to provide peer support for officers. The IMPD Chaplain’s Office responded to assist with those involved.
The IMPD Victims Assistance unit responded to assist officers and detectives.
ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
Anyone with information is asked to call. Detective Sergeant Prater at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
Case Number – IP230037018
