Officer fires shot during vehicle pursuit on Indy's westside

An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer fired their gun during a car chase on the city’s westside early Sunday morning. Neither the driver nor the passenger inside the pursued vehicle were hit by the shot.

Around midnight, police responded to a report of multiple vehicles driving recklessly and spinning in the 2800 block of Lafayette Road. IMPD defines spinning as a trend in which drivers gather in a public park, lot, street or intersection to perform what’s commonly referred to as a doughnut in their vehicles. Police say it’s dangerous and reckless behavior that poses safety risks for the driver and the public.

After police arrived at the scene, one officer reported to dispatch that they heard multiple gunshots in the area. They also witnessed a driver nearly strike several people with their car, according to IMPD.

Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, but the driver didn’t stop, police said. Officers pursued the vehicle to a dead end in the 3000 block of Lincoln Road. Police said the car made a U-turn and intentionally rammed an IMPD patrol vehicle head on with an officer inside. Then, another officer fired his gun.

The car continued southbound, hit another vehicle at the intersection of W. 30th Street and Tibbs Avenue, and then came to a stop, police said.

The driver and a passenger in the vehicle were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. An uninvolved driver was given aid by emergency responders and released at the scene. 

Two IMPD officers received minor injuries and were sent to an area healthcare center, according to police.  

The IMPD officer who fired his gun is on administrative leave, which is standard procedure during an officer-involved shooting investigation.

The incident marks the 18th shooting involving Indianapolis police officers this year —  the highest yearly count since 2015. There were 20 shootings that year.

The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing after the conclusion of the criminal process.