INDIANAPOLIS -- The man shot by an Indianapolis police officer Tuesday morning after he was mistaken for a robbery suspect has been released from the hospital and thanked police for their professionalism in statement released Thursday.
Around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, Carl Williams called police after a suspect approached his wife with a gun in their driveway and demanded her car.
Throughout the call, multiple officers responded and dispatchers told those officers the suspect was last seen in a black car at the home.
Officers were unaware that the black car still sitting in the driveway when they arrived was actually Williams' wife's vehicle.
Once officers arrived and saw a black car with its headlights on, they began looking for the suspect.
When police saw Williams come out of the garage with a handgun, Williams was shot in the stomach as the officer mistook him for the robber.
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According to the statement released Thursday afternoon by an attorney, on behalf of Williams, the family asks the community to pray for not only their family but the police officers involved.
"As a husband and father with a 16 year career at the post office Mr. Williams is an integral part of our Indianapolis community and the Williams family appreciates all of the warm wishes expressed to them by Hoosiers throughout the state. Less than 72 hours after celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, the Williamses’ world was completely changed by the events of August 23," the statement read.
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Williams previously served as a police officer in the military for eight years and understands the challenges faced by law enforcement, according to the release.
The family also thanked first responders and medical personnel at IU Methodist Hospital in addition to acknowledging the professionalism shown by Indianapolis police.
Williams is back at home and will begin physical therapy as soon as his condition permits.
