Metro officer shoots drug suspect

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Metro police said one of their own shot a suspected drug dealer on the southwest side Friday afternoon.

The incident started around 3 p.m. as U.S. Marshals tried to arrest 28-year-old Joshua Camplin on drug charges. Police spotted Camplin on a motorcycle but he took off, sparking a chase.

Police lost Camplin, but three hours later they got a tip that he was hiding out in the 1300 block of South Belmont Avenue.

According to police, IMPD K9 Officer Jeff Chappell discovered Camplin near the home’s garage.

"The suspect produced a handgun and stuck it to his own head and said, 'back off.' The officers, at that point, started to back off but the suspect took the gun and started pointing it down toward the officers. So, Officer Jeff Chappell fired shots at the suspect for his own safety and the safety of the officers around him," said IMPD Lt. Jeff Duhamell.

Police said Officer Chappell -- a 10-year veteran of the force -- shot Camplin twice in the lower torso. Camplin was taken to Wishard Hospital in critical but stable condition.

Camplin faces several charges including criminal recklessness.

No officers injured in the shooting.