***UPDATE #1***
Following the threat assessment related to the officer-involved shooting on Friday, August 23, 2024, in the 9000 block of Pendleton Pike, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey announced the officers involved as 8-year veteran Officer Zachary Carver and 21-year veteran Sergeant Michael Antonelli.
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: IMPD Attempt to Serve Warrant Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 9000 block of Pendleton Pike
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Sgt. Mark Prater
*Media inquiries should be made to [email protected]*
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Friday, August 23, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m., IMPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers were at a motel in the 9000 block of Pendleton Pike collaborating with the East District Detectives. They were there to locate a wanted adult male suspect, who was known to be armed and dangerous and in possession of narcotics. The officers were in possession of a signed and approved search warrant. SWAT officers, who were in full police uniform, made several announcements outside the motel room door. SWAT officers used both a public address system and police sirens in an attempt to get the suspect to peacefully surrender.
Unfortunately, the suspect did not exit the motel room. At that time, SWAT officers made forced entry into the motel room, locating two adult subjects coming out of the restroom. Officers gave several verbal commands for the individuals to get on the ground. The female occupant in the room listened to officer commands and was safely detained for additional questioning.
The second individual in the motel room, an adult male, did not follow the SWAT officers’ commands. While officers were attempting to place the suspect into handcuffs, a struggle ensued within the kitchenette area of the motel room. The suspect forcefully pulled away from officers and, at some point during the struggle, retrieved a Draco firearm, which shoots rifle rounds, and continued to physically resist the officers' attempts to handcuff the suspect. At some point, an officer-involved shooting occurred.
Following the shooting, SWAT medics, who were staged nearby, rendered medical aid to the suspect.
The suspect was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, the suspect was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
No uninvolved citizens were injured during this incident. Detectives are confident there is no ongoing threat to the community. There is no suspect outstanding.
Detectives located two firearms in the motel room (photos of the firearms are attached). The image of the rifle-style firearm has been cropped for sensitivity reasons to avoid showing graphic content.
The officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, which were activated during this incident. IMPD’s Aviation Unit responded to the scene with drone technology to assist with the collection of aerial photos of the crime scene.
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 names once a proper next-of-kin notification has been made.
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 two SWAT officers who fired their 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 those involved.
The IMPD Victims Assistance unit responded to assist officers and detectives.
Anyone with information is asked to call. Detective Sgt. Mark 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 – IP240079769
