1 dead after IMPD involved in shooting on east side; no officers hurt
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Police were involved in a fatal shooting on the city’s east side on Wednesday, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
IMPD says officers were tracking a homicide suspect, James Williams, 33, who was wanted on a warrant for escape and weapon offenses. Around noon, IMPD located Williams at a gas station in the 5400 block of East 21st Street.
Police approached Williams after he exited the gas station. Surveillance video shows that he went back inside the gas station and was followed by officers.
Video shows Williams conversing with the officers, then pointing a gun at them, according to IMPD. The officers then fired their weapons, striking Williams.
Williams was declared deceased on the scene.
IMPD said no officers or civilians were injured and said in a tweet the detectives involved were wearing vests that identified them as police.
IMPD has not released the name of the officers involved.
Witnesses told I-Team 8’s Jasmine Minor that they heard between six and nine gunshots.
Sept. 8, 2021, update from IMPD
“INDIANAPOLIS – Following an updated threat assessment related to the officer-involved shooting on September 1, 2021, at 5460 East 21st Street, IMPD Chief Randal Taylor released the names of the officers involved: Sgt. Garth Schwomeyer (24-year veteran) and Sgt. Erik Forestal (17-year veteran).
“IMPD will continue to be transparent, while protecting the integrity of criminal investigations. IMPD has recently formalized a policy that outlines when and how officers involved in critical incidents should be identified to the public. This new policy solidifies IMPD’s practice of conducting a threat assessment following a critical incident and prior to releasing the names of the officers involved to protect the officer and their families. This policy will ensure information is provided to the public as soon as possible. After any critical incident, IMPD’s Intelligence Unit conducts a threat assessment for any officer involved, which includes an analysis of social media, community, and law enforcement information.
“This incident is being investigated by IMPD’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). Detectives are working with the Marion County Prosecutors Office, the Marion County Forensic Services Agency, and the Marion County Coroner’s Office to ensure a fair and thorough investigation is completed.
“A separate internal investigation is being conducted by IMPD’s Internal Affairs Unit to ensure compliance with departmental policy, as is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting. In addition, the civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory review of this incident as it does for any use of deadly force against a person.”
Update from Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Sept. 8, 2021