**UPDATE #1 – January 2nd, 2025**
The Marion County Coroner's Office (MCCO) has identified the deceased suspect as 48-year-old Kenneth Roberts, Jr.
The initial traffic stop on the suspect vehicle was made by the Lawrence Police Department for a traffic infraction.
Kenneth Roberts, Jr. was also found to have two active Marion County warrant for the following charges: Robbery resulting in Bodily Injury (Level 3 Felony) and Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon (Level 5 Felony).
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INCIDENT TYPE: Shots Fired at Officers from Fleeing Vehicle Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 6500 block of E. 30
th Street
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Detective Michael Duke,
[email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to
[email protected]*
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Monday, December 30, 2024, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Lawrence Police Department (LPD) officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 6900 block of Pendleton Pike. During the stop, a female occupant exited the passenger-side, leaving just the suspect in the car. The female, who exited the vehicle, remained on-scene and did not get back inside the vehicle. The vehicle, driven by an adult male suspect, then fled from officers and a pursuit ensued. IMPD officers responded to assist. During the pursuit, shots were fired from the suspect vehicle in the direction of pursuing Lawrence officers. The suspect vehicle came to a stop in the 6500 block of E. 30
th Street, at which time an officer-involved shooting occurred. Two Lawrence Police officers and one IMPD officer fired their service weapons during the incident.
Officers gave multiple loud verbal commands to the suspect to show his hands and put his hands up. Officer continued to give commands for the suspect to step out of the vehicle with hands in the air. This went on for several minutes with no response from inside the vehicle. IMPD SWAT officers in armored vehicles responded to the scene so that officers could safely approach the suspect vehicle without exposing themselves to further gunfire. A drone was also used during the incident to safely get a live video of the inside of the vehicle.
Officers then approached the vehicle and observed that the suspect was unresponsive. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Service personnel, who were already staged nearby, unfortunately pronounced the suspect deceased.
A firearm was located on-scene near the suspect (a photo is attached). The female who exited the vehicle during the initial traffic stop was unharmed and is cooperating with the investigation.
No officers or other uninvolved citizens were injured during this incident. Multiple community members’ vehicles were struck by gunfire during the incident.
If anyone in the area had a vehicle struck by gunfire relating to this incident, please call 911.
Multiple IMPD officers and LPD officers were equipped with body-worn and dash 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 a proper next-of-kin notification has been made.
There is no ongoing threat to the community and no suspect outstanding.
The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal investigation.
Separate administrative investigations are being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs and LPD Internal Affairs. The IMPD officer and the LPD officers who fired their gun 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 IMPD 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 Sergeant 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: IP240121942
