***UPDATE 2 (11/01/2024)***
Following the threat assessment related to the officer-involved shooting on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in the 1000 block of N Kealing Avenue, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey announced the officer involved as 15-year veteran Officer Joseph Beasley.
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.
***
Update 1: (10/30/2024)
INCIDENT TYPE: Armed Carjacking Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 1000 N. Kealing Avenue
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Sergeant Michael Duke, [email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to [email protected]*
The suspect has been identified as 25-year-old Julius Hill.
Hill remains in the hospital at this time.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has arrested and preliminarily charged Julius Hill with carjacking, pointing a firearm and kidnapping. Final charges will be determined by the Marion County Prosecutors Office.
A second firearm was located in Hill’s backpack, which was located in the victim’s car. A photo of that firearm is attached.
Additionally, IMPD detectives learned during the investigation that a 911 call was made by suspect’s family notifying police that the suspect was suffering from a mental emotional issue, was off his medication and was armed with a firearm. The information was not dispatched prior to the officer engaging with the suspect. Officers did not have this information or knowledge of the 911 call prior to the critical incident.
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INCIDENT TYPE: Armed Carjacking Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 1000 N. Kealing Avenue
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Sergeant Michael Duke, [email protected] *Media inquiries should be made to [email protected]*
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, just after 3:30 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) East District officers were in the 1000 block of N. Kealing Avenue conducting an unrelated theft investigation. During the investigation, an uninvolved vehicle approached officers and came to a sudden stop. A female occupant of the vehicle exited and told officers that she was being held at gunpoint by a male suspect, who was inside the vehicle. An officer gave the adult male suspect loud verbal commands to put his hands up. The suspect, who was inside the vehicle, then pointed a handgun in the direction of nearby officers and at least one uninvolved citizen. At that time, an officer-involved shooting occurred.
One IMPD officer discharged his service weapon during the incident striking the suspect at least once. The same officer transitioned to a less-lethal electronic control device and officers ordered the suspect to drop the gun. The officer deployed his electronic control device and the suspect was still holding the firearm. Officers then took the firearm out of the suspect’s hand and pulled the suspect out of the car. Officers rendered first aid to the suspect. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived and transported the suspect to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition. The suspect is still in critical, but stable condition.
Detectives later learned from the female victim that she was driving northbound on North Kealing Avenue and saw officers near the intersection of E 11th Street. She told detectives the suspect jumped into the vehicle a few blocks from this incident and forced her to drive. She then drove to the location where she recalled seeing officers, stopped and alerted the officers of the situation. During this encounter, the suspect threatened the driver with a handgun.
No uninvolved citizens or officers were injured during this incident.
Multiple officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, which were activated during this incident.
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) is being consulted throughout the investigation.
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 their 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 responded to assist with those involved.
The IMPD Victims Assistance unit responded to assist officers, detectives, and community members.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Michael Duke at the Homicide office by calling 317-327-3475. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
Case Number – IP240102615
A picture of the recovered handgun is included. The handgun’s serial number has been blurred to protect the integrity of the investigation.
