Man remains in serious condition after officer-involved shooting
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department released new information Wednesday night about an officer-involved shooting on the city’s northeast side.
Police said an IMPD officer shot a man twice while responding to a theft call. The man, who has not been identified remains in serious condition.
It happened near North Denny Street and Washington Street just after 3:00 p.m.
Police spent hours processing the scene. Jeff James works nearby and heard the gunshots.
“I heard a couple of gunshots, went outside, walked down the street, saw the little commotion down there,” James said.
As he got closer, James told 24-Hour News 8 he saw a man lying on the ground.
“It was a little chaotic when we first got there, people running around, the girl screaming ‘he’s been shot he’s been shot’,” James said.
James said he has seen the man before in passing.
“When the first police officer got there, he had a medical bag with him. He was able to administer some first aid to the guy,” James said.
Police said it all began when an officer responded to a call for a theft. The officer arrived on scene and learned a man had stolen his daughter’s cell phone and debit card.
“At some point during that discussion the father was on the ground. The officer apparently placed him there,” said IMPD Chief Troy Riggs.
While the officer was trying to detain the father, police said someone else got involved.
“A third individual, who happened to be in the house became involved in the situation and according to a witness started to remove the officer’s gun from his holster,” said Riggs.
There was a struggle between the two for the gun. Police said the officer got control and shot the man twice. The man was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
While the investigation continues, police are now urging people in the community to do one thing.
“As always, if anyone saw anything, happened to be driving by and saw an earlier altercation, please give us a call. We need that information,” said Riggs.
Police said they have taken all known witnesses in for questioning and statements at IMPD headquarters. If you know anything about the shooting you’re asked to call police.
24-Hour News 8 learned the officer involved was not injured.
Police said the officer has been with IMPD for three years and will be placed on administrative leave while the department and other agencies continue to investigate.
