***UPDATE 2*** (12/11/2024)
Following threat assessments related to the officer-involved shooting on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in the 1400 block of Brookville Way, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey announces the officer involved as 4-year Officer Daniel 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 which 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*** (12/6/2024)
The Marion County Coroner's Officer has identified the deceased suspect as 37-year-old Christopher Worrell.
*****
INCIDENT TYPE: Suspect Armed with Machete Charges at Officer; Officer-Involved Shooting Occurs
INCIDENT LOCATION: 1400 block of Brookville Way
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Dustin Keedy, [email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to [email protected]*
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, just after 3:40 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Southeast District officers responded to the 1400 block of Brookville Way reference a vehicle accident. As officers were on the way, the call was upgraded to a disturbance with a weapon.
As an officer arrived, a witness flagged him down and advised there was a male on the other side of the building holding a machete. When the officer turned the corner in his fully marked police vehicle, he encountered an adult male in the parking lot who had a machete in his hand. The officer exited his police vehicle and immediately gave several loud verbal commands to the male to “drop the machete, drop it, drop it!” The officer attempted to create more distance from the suspect, but the suspect moved quickly in the direction of the officer with the machete in his hand. At this point, an officer involved shooting occurred.
Detectives learned during the investigation that prior to the arrival of officers, the suspect intentionally rammed a vehicle occupied by a male and female. When one of the victims exited that vehicle, the suspect struck them in the head and body with the machete. The male victim ran into a nearby business for help. The female victim sustained injuries consistent with being hit in the head and body with a machete. The male’s injuries were most likely a result of the crash. Officers provided medical care until medics arrived and transported the victims to a local hospital in stable condition.
After additional backup arrived, officers rendered aid to the suspect. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Investigators learned that the victims and suspect knew each other. Detectives believe the suspect was likely waiting for the victims to exit work before his attack. The suspect was also an ex-employee of a business within the business park where this incident occurred.
A witness also told investigators that the suspect told him he was about to witness a suicide by cop, after his attack on the victims and before officers arrived.
Officers located a machete next to the suspect (a photo of the machete is below).
Multiple vehicles were located in the parking lot with significant damage.
No uninvolved community members were injured during this incident.
The officers were equipped with body-worn and in-car 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) 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 the 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 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 everyone involved.
Anyone with information is asked to call. Detective Dustin 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 – IP240114330
