INCIDENT TYPE: Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Killed Following Assault by Inmate
INCIDENT LOCATION: 695 Justice Way
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Monday, July 10, 2023, shortly before 11:30 AM, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputy John Durm was returning from transporting an inmate for a medical appointment. At some point, the inmate assaulted Deputy Durm inside the sally port of the Adult Detention Center (ADC) located at 695 Justice away and stole a transport wagon. The suspect, alone in the vehicle, drove the wagon out of the Criminal Justice Center Complex where he then crashed at 3000 Prospect Street.
MCSO deputies and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers took the suspect into custody at 3000 Prospect Street. At least one deputy received minor injuries during the suspect’s apprehension. That deputy was treated on-scene.
Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) transported Deputy Durm to Eskenazi Hospital. After arriving at Eskenazi Hospital, Deputy Durm was pronounced deceased. Deputy Durm was 61-years-old, was a 38-year veteran of the MCSO, and came from a law enforcement family. He is survived by a wife, four children, his parents, and several other family members.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office will determine the manner and cause of death. This will not be available until at least Tuesday afternoon.
IEMS arrived and transported the suspect to Eskenazi Hospital in stable condition. The suspect was transported to be evaluated following the crash.
The IMPD officer who assisted in the suspect’s apprehension had his body-worn camera activated. The body-worn camera only captured the suspect’s apprehension. The MCSO deputies involved in this incident were not issued body worn cameras.
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence.
Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct a homicide investigation. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is assisting with this investigation.
The MCSO Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation as is standard for this type of incident.
The MCSO and IMPD Police Officer Support Teams (POST) responded to provide peer support for deputies. The MCSO Chaplain’s Office responded to assist with those involved.
The suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Orlando Mitchell. The suspect will be placed under arrest for murder once he is released from the hospital. The suspect should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case will be presented to the MCPO for charging decisions.
The Criminal Justice Center and Adult Detention Center are secured.
Deputy Durm will be transported to the Marion County Coroner’s Office later today.
Case Number – IP230066445
