Full Notification

UPDATE #2 (November 2, 2023)

Following a threat assessment related to the officer-involved shooting on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 2000 Shadeland Ave, IMPD Chief Randal Taylor identified the officer involved as 5-year veteran Patrol Officer Nicolas Deem.  He was also the officer who was shot during the incident.
 
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

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Update #1 

The officer who was involved in the shooting that occurred at 2055 N. Shadeland Avenue on Thursday, October 26, 2023, has injuries more significant than originally thought. The officer has significant bullet fragments in his leg, with the largest fragment being is close to his femur. The doctor believes some of those fragments may stay in his leg forever.

 

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INCIDENT TYPE: Trespassing Investigation Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting and Officer Shot 

INCIDENT LOCATION:  2055 N. Shadeland Avenue    

ASSIGNED DETECTIVE:   Detective Dustin Keedy [email protected]   

*Media inquiries should be made to [email protected]*  

The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.  

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, just before 6:00 p.m., IMPD East District officers were conducting an investigation in the 6900 E 21^st Street when an officer recognized an individual who had been trespassed from The Rodeway Inn.

Officers approached the suspect and informed him he could not be there and had to leave the property. The suspect then ran away from officers on foot. Officers did not pursue the suspect. Officers had multiple encounters with this individual and were aware he had been trespassed from several area businesses.  

Officers were searching the area for the suspect when minutes later, they were flagged down by an employee of Burger King. The man told the officers the suspect was inside the restaurant. Officers, in full police uniforms, entered the business and could see the suspect near the restrooms.

Two officers approached and were attempting to take the suspect into custody, when a physical altercation followed. The officers and suspect fell to the ground during the physical altercation. At some point, the suspect was able to gain control of the officer’s firearm, said to the officer “you’re going to die,” and disarmed him. The suspect fired the weapon, striking the officer. The physical altercation continued, and that officer reached for his secondary service weapon. The officer discharged his secondary service weapon, striking the suspect at least once. 

The suspect fled out the front of the business and officers pursued. Officers apprehended the suspect in the parking lot, provided medical attention until Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived.  IEMS transported the suspect to Eskenazi Hospital, where he later died. 

No uninvolved citizens were injured during this incident. The officer, who was shot by the suspect, was transported to an area hospital in good condition.

Officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, which were activated during this incident. Surveillance video from the Burger King 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 Coroner’s Office (MCCO) will be assisting and will determine the exact manner and cause of death. MCCO will release the decedent's name once a proper next-of-kin notification has been made.  

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.  

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 Chaplain’s Office and Victims Assistance responded to assist those involved.  

Anyone with information is asked to call. Detective Keedy at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475.  Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.  

Case Number – IP230106347