*****UPDATE #1 on December 20, 2024*****
During the course of the investigation, detectives obtained video surveillance footage that showed the adult male suspect leave the scene of the original shooting on foot, still armed with the handgun. Video footage then shows the suspect fire at least one round towards a second female who was nearby. Thankfully, the second female victim was uninjured.
The suspect then continued moving southbound where additional video footage showed him firing at least five more shots at houses in the area. Investigators did recover at least one shell casing in this area.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Larry Craciunoiu at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
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INCIDENT TYPE: Armed Suspect Fires Shots at Officers Leading to Officer-Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 300 block of S. Warman Ave
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Detective Larry Craciunoiu, [email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to [email protected]*
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, shortly after 2:00 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Southwest District officers responded to the 300 block of S. Warman Ave on the report of a person shot.
At least two callers reported hearing shots fired with one caller stating they believed one person had been shot. One caller was able to provide a suspect description and said the suspect had fired at least one shot at a neighbor’s house.
Officers responding to the incident were in their marked patrol vehicles when at least two shots were fired in their direction. The audio and video of the shots being fired at the officers was also captured on the patrol vehicles’ in-car cameras.
Officers exited their vehicles, spotted the suspect and a short foot chase ensued. The suspect, an adult male, was located on the side of a home in the 300 of block of Warman. Officers, using distance and barriers, got behind a vehicle for cover and ordered the suspect to “get on the ground” at least two times.
One officer observed a large machete in the suspect’s hand still raised over his head and said, “he has a machete” to alert other officers. As officers continued to give commands, the suspect ran at them with the machete still raised over head and a firearm in his hands.
At this point, an officer-involved shooting occurred. While the male suspect was on the ground, he continued to reach towards one of the weapons, despite officers’ verbal commands. One officer fired another round.
Officers continued giving loud verbal commands to “put your hands up,” while waiting for additional officers to arrive.
Once additional backup arrived, officers handcuffed the suspect and then began providing medical aid to him. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Officers located a firearm and a machete near the suspect (photos attached).
Shortly after the suspect was taken into custody, a female adult victim with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds was located in a nearby home’s backyard. She was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
Investigators believe, prior to the officer-involved shooting, the suspect shot the female victim and then attempted to flee the scene. Detectives are still working to determine the relationship between the suspect and female victim.
At least two other individuals also reported to detectives that the suspect had pointed a firearm in their direction prior to officer’s arrival.
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 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 with those involved.
The IMPD Victims Assistance Unit responded to assist everyone involved.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Larry Craciunoiu at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
Case Number – IP240118964
