Man arrested after shooting at officer

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A man is in jail after police say he fired several shots at a metro officer.

Police said the incident began when the 10 year veteran officer responded to a call of shots fire in an alleyway just west of North Dearborn Street.

“When the officer started driving southbound through the alley, he confronted a tan sport utility vehicle that was sitting dark,” said Sgt. Paul Thompson of the Indianapolis Metro Police Department.

And according to police, 27-year-old Cedric Tharpe was standing next to the SUV and holding an AK47.

That's when investigators say Tharpe fired several shots at the officer.

“The officer then returned fire,” said Sgt. Thompson.

Police said a bullet fragment hit the officer in the leg. The officer is expected to be OK.

Following the exchange of gunfire, police say Tharpe got into the SUV and tried to back it out of the alley. However, he slammed the truck into a pole. Police said he got out and took off running.

“About two minutes after this incident started an individual presented himself to officers about a block or two away stating that he had been fired at. It didn't take long to figure that this was in fact the suspect,” said Sgt. Thompson.

According to police, they recovered the gun and a pair of gloves.

Tharpe was placed under arrest and faces preliminary charges of attempt/conspiracy to commit murder, criminal recklessness with a weapon, and pointing a firearm.