UPDATE #4
The female driver involved in this incident was identified as 25-year-old Eriana Morris. On October 25, 2023, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office charged Morris with armed robbery for her alleged role in the initial robbery associated with this incident. On Monday, October 23, 2023, Morris was arrested on the warrant.
A charge is merely an accusation. Morris should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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UPDATE #3
Following a threat assessment related to the officer-involved shooting on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 600 S Missouri St., IMPD Chief Randal Taylor identified the officers involved as 21-year veteran Sergeant Jeremy Steward, 27-year veteran Officer Kenneth Kunz, and 5-year veteran Officer Dalton Hair.
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 Indianapolis-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. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process.
UPDATE #2
The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 27-year-old Ricketz Williams.
Detectives learned the gun recovered from the scene was reported stolen in 2022.
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UPDATE #1
The suspect vehicle driver was an adult female and the suspect vehicle passenger was an adult male. The adult male passed away at the hospital.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office is assisting and will release the deceased’s identity after next-of-kin is notified.
The specific pursuit prevention technique utilized to stop the suspect vehicle was a Grappler Police Bumper. This is a tool utilized by the SWAT team to preemptively stop a vehicle when the occupant is a suspect in a violent crime or officers believe have a high likelihood of fleeing in the vehicle. This avoids the potential for a vehicle pursuit.
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INCIDENT TYPE: Armed Robbery Investigation Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 600 S. Missouri Street
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Detective Erika Jones, [email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to [email protected]*
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Friday, September 22, 2023, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officers responded to the 2200 block of S. Shelby Street on a report of an armed robbery of a business. Officers arrived and confirmed an armed robbery had occurred. A description of the suspect vehicle was given to officers in the area.
Subsequently, IMPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Covert Robbery Detectives located the suspect vehicle in the 600 block of South Missouri Street. Officers attempted to do a pursuit prevention technique on the suspect vehicle.
While performing the technique, the front seat passenger began firing shots at officers. Several officers engaged the suspect, returning fire, striking the suspect, and the suspect operating the vehicle. A medic was on the scene and immediately rendered first aid to both suspects until Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived on the scene. Both suspects were transported to area hospitals in critical condition.
The suspect’s gun was recovered at the apprehension site. (see photo)
Multiple officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, which were activated during this incident, and a police in-car dash camera.
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 IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal investigation.
IMPD Internal Affairs is conducting a separate administrative investigation. The officers who fired their firearms 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 and Victims Assistance responded to assist those involved.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Erika Jones at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
Case Number – IP230094289
