INDIANAPOLIS — Three suspects are in custody, and one is at large after an IMPD officer was shot on Tuesday on the west side of Indianapolis.
The incident happened near West 16th Street and North Harding Street after the officer ran a license plate check.
WATCH: IMPD provides updates on the shooting
According to IMPD, which briefed the media at the hospital, the shooting occurred just after 2 p.m. while officers were in pursuit of a confirmed carjacked vehicle.
Reference this run, an IMPD officer has been shot.
— IMPD (@IMPDnews) July 29, 2025
The officer was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition. https://t.co/PnQzWo3PMJ
The vehicle pulled into an apartment complex, located at the 2100 Block of Emrich Lane, and the officer found four suspects in the car. One of the suspects fled the scene.
During this encounter, the IMPD officer attempted to arrest the driver and sat him on the ground. That was when the other two passengers got out of the car. IMPD said one passenger walked towards the front of the car and began firing at the officer.
According to IMPD, the officer was struck by gunfire at least three times. The officer returned fire, resulting in an officer-involved shooting.
The officer then began to apply a tourniquet to himself. IMPD said at least two community members helped the officer.
At this time, IMPD said more officers responded to the scene. Officers rendered first aid to the shot suspect, and the officer, who is said to have been with IMPD for nearly four years, was transported to the hospital by another officer in stable condition.
A total of three suspects were taken into custody at the scene. At this time, detectives believe the shooter is one of those in custody, who is being treated at the hospital. IMPD is still searching for the fourth suspect. At the scene, officers recovered two firearms.
IMPD said no one else was injured in this incident.
IMPD Police Chief Christopher Bailey took to the podium to provide comments about this incident.
"Today is one of the hardest days any law enforcement agency can have when one of your officers is shot in the line of duty," said Chief Bailey. "It's a stark reminder of the dangers they face every single day, doing a job in selfless service of our community."
During the briefing, Chief Bailey said this is the second attack on an officer in a week, and that violence against police officers is on the rise across the country.
"It's unacceptable for it [violence] happen from community member to community member. But when it happens against an officer, a peace officer, whose job it is to protect, our community has to be outraged by that," Chief Bailey said.
Chief Bailey had this to say to the suspect at large.
"My suggestion to you is to find the nearest church, pastor or police station and turn yourself in right now. Our officers are not going to stop until they take you into custody and you are held accountable for your actions," Chief Bailey said.
Chief Bailey said he is thankful that the officer, whom he had a chance to speak with, is alive and expected to recover from his injuries. Bailey said the officer is in pain, but committed to coming back as soon as possible to serve the community.
Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Snyder also made comments during the briefing.
"Evil did not win today. Evil will not win overall. And our officer is alive to tell about it," Snyder said.
Snyder shared that the officer is known for his solid police work and is well-known and respected by his peers. He thanked Mayor Hogsett for visiting the officer and listening to concerns from officers who feel they are fighting an unwinnable battle
"These violent offenders do not fear consequences or accountability in our system. Something has to change," Snyder said. "So that's where our community comes in, we need you to rally around, continue to be that voice and stand with us today on the officer survival to say, 'Not today.'"
Police say White River Parkway West is closed from Pershing to Belmont.
Jerimah Dukate is a resident living next to the apartment complex where the incident occurred. He said that he did not personally hear the gunshots, but his wife, who was in her truck at the time, heard the shots.
"My wife told me that she heard a lot of shots," Dukate said. "She seen they shot the guy in the vehicle, and then the other one ran into the building over here, and the police stacked up."
He added, "Like 100 police officers coming after their own because I guess another officer got shot."
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett released a statement on X following this incident.
Every day, the men and women of IMPD put their safety on the line to protect all of ours. Our city is fortunate to have the best police department in the country.
— Mayor Joe Hogsett (@IndyMayorJoe) July 29, 2025
Grateful to hear that our officer is in stable condition. https://t.co/UEtQpYeyc7
Indianapolis City-County Majority Leader Maggie A. Lewis also released the following statement:
"This afternoon, I, like many of you, was saddened to hear that one of our IMPD officers was shot in the line of duty. While his medical condition is stable, the memory of his experience will stay with him forever. I encourage us to pause for a moment and pray for him, his family, and all our public safety officials who risk their lives to protect us. Today’s shooting is yet another sign of the senseless violence affecting our community. We must work together to protect the safety of our families and those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe."
IMPD is asking anyone with more information to contact Sergeant Brian Lambert at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or Brian.Lambert@indy.gov. Tips can also be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 (TIPS).
