A man was found by police in critical condition Wednesday night after exchanging gunfire with at least one Indianapolis police officer.
What’s unclear is whether he was injured during the gunfire.
It was just before 8 p.m. on April 8 when IMPD Southwest District officers were called to a shooting at an apartment in the 1200 block of West Sumner Avenue. Outside, they found a man who had been shot. As they began giving aid, police said, another man began firing shots from an upstairs window of a nearby apartment.
That’s when at least one officer returned fire, said IMPD Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigations Kendale Adams.
When more officers arrived, Adams said, police were told that a child was possibly inside the home and in danger. Officers went inside and helped two adults and two children leave. Officers also found the suspect upstairs with gunshot wounds.
“We’re very fortunate that there were no deaths today, we’re thankful that our officers are out here doing their job, and serving the community in a way that likely saved lives,” Adams said at a media briefing following the shooting.
Investigators found a weapon near the suspect on the second floor of the home, police said.
He was taken to a hospital in critical condition. As for the man outside, Adams said that he is in stable condition after being found grazed in the neck. IMPD believes he had been shot by the suspect prior to police arriving.
IMPD Assistant Chief Wolley: ‘Everything’s going to be OK’
IMPD Chief Tanya Terry was not at the scene. She’s out of town for a training.
Assistant Chief Michael Wolley credited good decisions and sound tactics for ensuring that no lives were lost.
“You know, the reality of the matter is, six years ago tomorrow, we lost an officer in the line of duty,” said Wolley, referring to IMPD officer Breann Leath, who was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call. “I am so thankful that we don’t have any officers that are injured. I’m so thankful that the citizen who received the wound on his neck is going to be fine.”
Detectives are asking anyone with information, video or damage to their home to call 317-327-3811. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact Detective Brian Lambert at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or at Brian.Lambert2@indy.gov.
“This neighborhood saw some chaos for a little while, but ultimately everything’s going to be OK,” Wolley said. “One of the homes behind us was struck, but everyone is going to be fine.”
Previous police shootings
Jade Jackson is a public safety reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IMPD officer returns fire on man shooting from upstairs apartment
Reporting by Jade Jackson and Christine Tannous, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
