IMPD officer fires weapon after suspected drunk driver flees, rams squad car, police say
A suspected drunk driver and an officer suffered minor injuries after the driver fled and rammed a squad car, a foot chase occurred and the officer discharged their firearm, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
The suspect’s and officer's injuries were not related to the gunshot, according to the police department.
The officer was working on a DUI Task Force on the east side of the city around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday when they first encountered the suspect.
The officer was patrolling near East Washington Street and North Emerson Avenue when they attempted to stop the suspected drunk driver, who was traveling in a brown pickup. The driver fled from the officer until stopping in the 700 block of North Bancroft Street, according to IMPD.
The driver of the pickup then rammed the police car with the officer inside. The officer began giving verbal commands as the driver of the pickup exited the vehicle. At some point, the officer discharged their firearm, according to IMPD.
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The driver of the pickup was given additional commands during a short foot pursuit and a taser was deployed. The taser was effective and the officer detained the suspect, according to police.
The suspect and the officer were both transported to local hospitals for their minor injuries. Investigators later learned the pickup had been reported stolen before the officer tried pulling over the vehicle, according to IMPD.
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Detectives placed the driver of the pickup under arrest but their identity and what charges they are facing have not yet been released.
An administrative investigation is being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs. The officer who fired his gun has been placed on administrative leave, as is standard procedure. Body-worn cameras were activated during the incident.
The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing for any attempted use of deadly force against a person. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process, according to IMPD.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Chris Winter at 317-327-3475 or by e-mail at Christopher.Winter@indy.gov. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IMPD officer fired weapon after suspected drunk driver flees
