Geist police shooter had criminal history

FORTVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - The man suspected of shooting and injuring two police officers and a police dog had recently served time behind bars for violating the terms of his probation, 24 Hour News 8 confirmed. He was shot and killed by police after firing a semi-automatic weapon at officers late Friday night.

Shortly before midnight Friday near the intersection of High View Drive and Clearview Lane, Fortville Police Officer Matthew Fox pulled over a car with a broken light driven by James Lockhart III, 27, of Indianapolis. During the traffic stop, police say Lockhart fired at Officer Fox in an “ambush-style” attack.

Fox was hit in the hand, but the bullet ricocheted, hitting him in the forehead. He was taken to IU Methodist Hospital in serious condition, but was upgraded to good condition on Saturday.

Lockhart then led officers on a short chase that ended in more gunfire.

K9 Officer Andrew Branham, a 14-year veteran with IMPD, was grazed in the forearm by a bullet. He was treated and released by medics at the scene.

Bullets were also fired at Lawrence Police K9 Officer Shawn Romeril and his police dog “Danny.” Police say the dog was hit by pieces of shrapnel fired from Lockhart’s gun as bullets hit Romeril’s squad car. “Danny,” who has been in service for less than one year, was treated by local veterinarians and released back to Romeril’s custody Saturday. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Officers fired back at Lockhart, killing him.

Lockhart has an extensive criminal history that includes a 2004 arrest for felony battery, misdemeanor resisting law enforcement and possession of marijuana. According to police reports, Lockhart was accused of driving through an apartment complex and threatening a woman during a suspected drug transaction. When police attempted to arrest him, he allegedly hit a Marion County Sheriff’s deputy in the face. Charges against Lockhart were later dismissed.

In 2008, Lockhart was charged with possession of marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance in Hamilton County. Records show he pleaded guilty to the charges and received a suspended sentence, but he was convicted in 2010 of violating probation conditions on another marijuana possession charge. He was sentenced to serve four months in prison and was released in December of 2010.

Lockhart was also charged in 2010 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Reports show his BAC was measured at more than twice the legal limit. His probation terms on that charge ended in December of 2011.

He's known by neighbors as a quiet guy, who they believe lived alone.

Jared Fleener heard the gunshots early Saturday morning. “It’s kind of crazy to know something like that could happen so close,” Fleener said. “We heard the sirens real close.. police chasing… then you heard the pow pow pow pow.. all those shots fired.”

Neighbors had mixed reactions when they heard what had happened. Some told 24-Hour News 8 they weren’t surprised it was Lockhart.

Still another neighbor said his daughter had been friends with Lockhart, saying they’d watched each other’s dogs when they needed it.

“He was just a good friend; if they needed somebody to watch their dogs, he’d do it, and likewise,” he said. “If she needed a ride, he would give her one. He seemed like a nice kid.”

The Hancock County Sheriff told 24-Hour News 8 Saturday he had no idea what Lockhart's motive may have been.