UPDATE #2 (November 7, 2023)
On November 7, 2023, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office charged Beech with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon for his alleged role in this incident.
A charge is merely an accusation and Beech should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
**
UPDATE #1
Following a threat assessment related to the officer-involved shooting on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 2053 S. Shelby Street, IMPD Chief Randal Taylor identified the officer involved as 8-year veteran Patrol Officer Ryan Thomas.
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 that 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.
Additional information about the IMPD Body Worn Camera program can be found at the link below:
https://www.indy.gov/activity/body-worn-camera-program
###
INCIDENT TYPE: Warrant Investigation Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 2053 Shelby 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, October 19, 2023, just after 7:00 a.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Southeast District officers were at the Speedway gas station, located at 2053 Shelby Street, on an unrelated strong-armed robbery investigation. The officers had concluded the investigation when an individual told them an adult male, who was in a white Chevrolet Impala in the Speedway lot, had an active warrant for his arrest. That adult male was later identified as 38-year-old Antoine Beech.
Officers approached Beech, who was seated in the passenger seat of the Impala. Officers observed a firearm within Beech’s reach and gave verbal instructions for him to not reach for the gun. Beech allegedly reached for the gun and one officer discharged his department-issued firearm striking the suspect.
Officers provided Beech medical attention on-scene and he was transported by Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) to Eskenazi Hospital in stable condition.
No officers or uninvolved citizens were injured during this incident.
Detectives located a handgun in the vehicle (a photo of the firearm is attached).
The officers were equipped with body-worn cameras and at least one camera was activated during this incident. Surveillance video from the gas station did capture a portion of the 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 IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal investigation. Beech has two active warrants for his arrest. One warrant was for a probation violation with original charges for Dealing Cocaine (F3), Resisting Law Enforcement (F6), and Resisting Law Enforcement (MA). The second warrant was for two counts of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (MA and MC).
A separate administrative investigation is being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs. The officer who fired his gun has 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 Victims Assistance unit responded to assist officers and detectives.
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 – IP230103623
