Full Notification

Update #1 (May 22, 2024)

Following the threat assessment related to the officer-involved shooting on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in the 6500 Apollo Way, IMPD Chief Christopher Bailey announces the officer involved as 9-year veteran Officer Joshua Frees.  The Marion County Coroner's Office identified the deceased as Kelvin Chandler.

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 complete a fair and thorough investigation.

IMPD’s Internal Affairs Unit is conducting a separate internal investigation 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 review of this incident as it does for any use of deadly force against a person. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process.

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INCIDENT TYPE: Person Shot Investigation Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting 

INCIDENT LOCATION:  6500 Apollo Way 

ASSIGNED DETECTIVE:  Detective Gary Toms; [email protected]  

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

The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.  

INDIANAPOLIS - On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, just before noon, IMPD Northwest District officers responded to the 6300 block of Watercrest Way on a report of a person shot. Officers arrived and located an adult male with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound(s). Pike Township Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the victim to an area hospital in stable condition.  

While on-scene, officers learned that an adult male suspect was still in the immediate area. Northwest District officers, along with IMPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), set up a perimeter to locate the suspect. A short time later, multiple officers observed the suspect armed and running through the neighborhood. One officer, who was in full police uniform and exited a fully marked police car and told the suspect “stop, stop, stop.”  Shortly after, there was an exchange of gunfire between one officer and the suspect, who was struck at least once. 

Arriving officers provided medical aid to the suspect until medics arrived.  Pike medics arrived and transported the suspect to Eskenazi Hospital, where he later passed away.  

No officers or uninvolved citizens were injured during this incident.  

Detectives located a firearm in the rear of the residence (a photo of the firearm is attached).  

The involved-officer was equipped with body-worn camera, which was activated during 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 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 name 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 officer who fired his 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.  

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

Case Number – IP240044617