WHITE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – After an in-depth investigation, authorities have ruled the officers involved in a shooting in White County earlier this month were justified.
The incident, which involved a hostage, occurred on April 9, when Don Smith from Wateska, Illinois robbed a financial institution and lead authorities from more than 10 agencies on a pursuit that eventually ended near Monon, Ind.
The hostage was eventually freed and unharmed, but Smith was shot after pointing his firearm at police.
Indiana State Police said officers were able to box in the suspect’s stolen vehicle. But when the suspect pointed his firearm, officers defended themselves and fatally wounded Smith.
On Friday, Indiana State Police said the officers involved were justified in shooting Smith. In total, four officers from two agencies fired their weapons. ISP Troopers Weslee Ennis and Rick Hudson and Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Deputies Chris Black and Jon Lendermon have now been cleared.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Rick Hite spent more than 30 years with the Baltimore Police Department.
During his time there he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Recently, there has been rioting in Baltimore after a man died while in police custody.
Hite released a statement in wake of the Baltimore riots.
In difficult times like these, it is not uncommon to hear threats made nationwide. Be assured the IMPD, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, are monitoring any and all threats. As always, we will continue to dialogue and collaborate with the Indianapolis community to maintain our peaceful relationships and keep our city safe.
Indianapolis Public Safety Director Troy Riggs expressed concern for Baltimore. He added that Baltimore has some of the same issues that Indianapolis is facing.
However, two years ago Indianapolis changed the complaint system against officers that has sped up the process.
In the past it took at least 8 months to address complaints against officers, that process is done in less than five months.
“We get calls from other cities asking how did you revamp the disciplinary process we want a system that is fair and gives good feedback to citizens,” said Riggs.
Some police officers welcomed the changes in the complaint process because it clears up fake accusations.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Director of Public Safety Troy Riggs and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Rick Hite will lead a team of members with the public safety administration to the White House.
Once there, the White House will host sessions on the use of technology and data to improve transparency and accountability between police and the community.
Recently, Indy’s Public Safety Department has been praised for it’s use of numbers to inform Indianapolis residents on criminal trends in the city.
In late 2014, DPS started a new philosophy that aimed towards giving critical resources to some of Indy’s most challenged neighborhoods. The department used crime data, emergency service runs, code and compliance, and even animal care and control.
“It show a lot of good work that our 3,200 employees have done to get us national recognition,” said Public Safety Director Troy Riggs.
Four other public safety departments were invited to the meeting. The goal is that other departments around the country will use the information to improve their departments relationships between residents and police.
Riggs and Hite left Tuesday afternoon, the two are schedule to come back Wednesday afternoon.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Security measures for this weekend’s Final Four festivities are well underway – from Lucas Oil Stadium to White River State Park where a series of free concerts will be held.
Public safety officials say they have a robust plan in place. From Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to Indianapolis Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Department, to EMS, State Police, and Homeland Security – as well as the TSA, FBI and Secret Service – all will be working hand in hand to ensure the safety of not only those who will be downtown but everyone around the county.
“We are prepared on a public safety level for anything that occurs,” said Michael Bates, Commander of Homeland Security. “Our primary focus is staying vigilant as far as being able to mitigate, respond to any incidents whether they’re downtown or actually anywhere in the county.”Full Coverage: 2015 Final Four
With 10 square miles of Final Four entertainment – from Fan Fest to concerts to open practices and the games Saturday and Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium – public safety officials want to ensure not only a good time, but a safe one. To that end, restricted leave of officers is in place – all will be working.
“Which means you’re going to have a larger footprint not only downtown but also in our neighborhoods,” said Chief Rick Hite, IMPD. “Our concerns making sure people have a good time wherever they are in the city – be it neighborhoods, downtown, White River.”
Troy Riggs, Director of Public Safety, calls the planning for the Final Four immense but said it also has to be a community effort.
“If you see something, say something,” Riggs said. “If you see somebody that’s getting in an argument please pick up your phone. call and let us know so police officers can get there and respond. If you see someone that is hurt. make sure you give us a call immediately.”
In the wake of the Religious Freedom law, a site has been set up at Merrill Street and Capitol Avenue for any protests that might occur.
“If they want to demonstrate, they want to march – that’s fine,” Bates said. “We’re going to allow them to exercise their first amendment short of any type of chaos as far as destruction, breaking windows – whatever the case may be.”
A federal and local threat assessment found nothing, and social media monitoring – which is already underway – will continue. The primary focus vigilance – with all aware the eyes of the country will be on the Circle City.
“It’s gonna be a good weekend, a successful weekend and once again showcase why we’re the basketball capitol of the world,” Riggs said.
A new partner this year in ensuring public safety is the National Weather Service, who will have personnel on site at the command center, as well as the White River State Park operations center to keep an eye on the sky.
A new policy in place will dictate what can be carried into the various venues. It’s based off what the NFL does – if you want to carry something into Lucas Oil, Fan Fest or White River State Park, it will need to be in a clear bag.
The policy was actually put in place at least year’s Final Four events in North Texas but this is the first time for Indianapolis. John Dedman, vice president of communications for the Indiana Sports Corporation, said while it’s a standard practice at major events around the country, for the Final Four it has been extended not just to the games, but all fan events.
“We’re really focused on how we can provide a great experience to those fans who are coming in to town as well as those fans who are here locally,” Dedman said. “And really give them a final four experience focused on basketball, music, fan fest and all these other things and we’re really excited about what’s going to happen.”
The NCAA is giving away the bags at downtown Indianapolis hotels, the Indiana Convention Center and most entrances and exits where clear bags are required.
You can also use a clear bag of your own that doesn’t exceed the size of the NCAA bag or a one gallon clear storage bag. Small clutch purses smaller than 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches will also be allowed.
For a full list of security policies and procedures, click here.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Just days after a quadruple homicide on Indianapolis’ near northwest side the neighborhood came together to march and rally against violence.
“It is important to come together, absolutely must come together,” said Mayor Greg Ballard.
Ballard joined IMPD Chief Rick Hite at the Pilgrim Baptist Church on West 30th street. The group then walked to the scene of last week’s crime scene. Hite told 24-Hour News 8 Sunday what needs to change.
“We have to turn away from violence and turn away from those things that tempt us and put ourselves in harm’s way and change behaviors and we have to turn around. We have to be seen and turn around so the young people in the community can see us making a difference,” said Hite.
The Ten Point Coalition also participated in the march.
Last week Tiara Turner, Terri Betties, Sherry Taylor and Davon Whitlock were all killed. Police have made no arrests in the case.
Authorities believe one of the victims was targeted the other three were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – IMPD Chief Rick Hite spoke to media on the west side Wednesday morning after a woman was shot, a man was wounded by gunfire, and four people were found dead in that neighborhood, all within 24 hours.
Chief Hite said people need to learn how to resolve conflict without weapons.
“We take the loser to the morgue and the winner to jail. That is not what we want to do,” he said.
Click play in the video box for Chief Hite’s full interview.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The investigation continues after police say four people were shot and killed inside of a home on the west side of Indianapolis.
It happened in the 3100 block of North Harding Tuesday morning.
Investigators say they found one of the victim’s cars abandoned on West 16th Street. They spent all day gathering evidence and talking to witnesses at the scene.
Family and friends of the four victims gathered behind the police tape, hoping for some answers as to why this happened.
They were standing together, holding hands and leaning into one another for comfort and support.
Police say a man and three women were found dead inside of the home.
“They didn’t just take one person’s life, they took a whole family. Not one person, not two, but three and four,” said a relative, who didn’t want to be identified on camera. “They took the whole family from everybody that was standing out here.”
The relative tells 24-Hour News 8 she rushed to the home after learning her two cousins and two aunts were inside.
“This is heartbreaking for us. This is very heartbreaking for me because that was my best friend. I love her. I miss her dearly so much,” said relative.
Police say it all started around 9:30 a.m. when they received a call from the homeowner. The woman told police she found the bodies after coming home to find the side door kicked in and the place ransacked.
“Every now and then people have issues and challenges. We don’t believe this is random,” said Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Rick Hite. “Again, this is not random. We need the public’s help.”
Police have released few details about the investigation. Relatives are praying that police will find who’s responsible for the crime and make an arrest.
“You took four innocent lives for no reason. All these people do is live and work hard for heir children everyday and for you to come in there to do someone like that,” said a relative.
Police have not released the identities of the victims. Police say an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
Relatives tell 24-Hour News 8 one of the victim leaves behind three young children.
If you know anything about the crime you’re asked to call Crime Stoppers.