Police ID man accused of charging officer with knife before being shot, critically injured

UPDATE: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Friday identified the officers who fired their weapons during this incident as 2-year veteran William Fulton and 2-year veteran Theodore Howlett.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Police on Monday night identified a man shot and critically injured by police after they say he charged at officers with a knife.

Curtis Walker, 35, faces preliminary charges of attempted murder (two counts), domestic battery with a deadly weapon and battery with a deadly weapon.

Officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department around 4:45 a.m. Monday responded to a home in the 100 block of South Colorado Avenue — just south of East Washington Street and east of South Sherman Drive — on a report of a domestic disturbance with a knife.

Operators at 911 about 10 minutes later told officers they heard a woman screaming on the line, pleading with a man who said he was going to kill her, according to an incident summary released Monday night.

At 4:58 a.m., officers got to the home and announced themselves at the front door and could hear the woman’s screams. They ordered everyone inside to exit. Officers then entered and Walker came out of a room and charged toward an officer with a knife in his hand, according to the summary.

At 5:02 a.m., officers at the scene said over police radio that an officer-involved shooting had occurred. Walker sustained multiple injuries, and emergency medical personnel were already at the scene because of the nature of the initial 911 call. Walker received medical attention and was taken to Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, the summary said.

Officers recovered a knife in Walker’s possession, the summary said.

Police believe two officers fired shots at Walker. During the shooting, one officer sustained an injury related to a bullet strike to his ballistic vest from crossfire with another officer. The injured officer was taken to an area hospital and has since been released, the summary said.

Multiple people were inside the home when the shooting happened. No one else was injured, the summary said.

The officers who discharged their guns have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

Summary released Monday night:

• At approximately 4:54 am, IMPD Southeast District officers responded to 21 S. Colorado Avenue on a report of an active domestic disturbance with a knife involving a male and female.  
• At approximately 4:56 am, 911 operators continued an open line with the caller, and dispatchers updated officers that they could hear a female screaming on the line. Dispatch could also hear a female pleading for the male to stop and heard a male say he was going to kill the female. This information was shared with arriving officers.
• Officers arrived at the residence at approximately 4:58 am and made contact with the residents at the front door. Officers on scene indicated they heard a female screaming inside of the residence. Officers made announcements  identifying themselves as police officers and ordered  all persons inside the house to exit.
• Shortly thereafter, officers entered the residence. As officers were inside the hallway an adult male, later identified as 35-year-old Curtis Walker, emerged from a room and charged towards one officer with a knife in his hand. (Hallway Photo #1) (Knife Photo #2)
• At approximately 5:02 am, officers on scene broadcasted on the radio that an officer involved shooting occurred.  Walker sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Due to the nature of the run IEMS & IFD were already on the scene and provided medical attention immediately. Walker was transported to Eskenazi Hospital listed in critical condition. Officers did recover a knife in Walker’s possession.   
• It is believed two officers fired shots at the suspect.  
• During the incident, an officer sustained injuries related to a bullet strike to his ballistic vest as a result of crossfire from another IMPD officer. The officer who was struck was transported to a local hospital and has been released. Walker was placed under arrest for attempted murder (2 counts), domestic battery w/a deadly weapon, and battery w/ a deadly weapon.  Walker is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.  The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decision.
• Multiple officers had body-worn cameras which were activated at the time of the incident.  
• There were multiple people inside the house at the time of the incident aside from Walker and the officers.  No other people were injured during the incident.
• IMPD’s Victim’s Assistance Unit & Chaplain’s Office responded to the scene to provide resources for victims and their families.
• The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal investigation. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is assisting with this investigation.
• The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the scene and is being consulted throughout the investigation.
• The Police Officer Support Team (POST) responded to provide peer support for officers.

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 practice in an officer involved shooting investigation. 

The Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing for any use of deadly force against a person.  Consistent with the Merit Law, the Use of Force Review Board will make an advisory finding related to this incident which will be limited to determining whether the officer’s actions were within departmental policy.

Detectives continue to canvass the area for witnesses and other evidence. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.