LAWRENCE, Ind. — Newly released bodycam, dashcam and public safety footage show a pursuit where multiple shots were fired at officers, prompting them to return fire, FOX 59 reported.
The Dec. 30 incident began when a Lawrence Police Department (LPD) officer attempted a traffic stop in a strip mall parking lot. A woman can be seen exiting the passenger seat, but the driver fled the scene. As the pursuit unfolded, the suspect began firing shots out of the rear window at the pursuing officer, FOX 59 reported.
Additional Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) units responded as the suspect drove recklessly, including on the wrong side of the road. Footage released on March 21 shows the LPD officer returning fire from behind the wheel of his patrol car. The suspect eventually lost control and stopped.
At least 12 shots were fired by the LPD officer as the man continued shooting. The officer exited his vehicle and fired at least 14 additional rounds. Backup arrived, with another LPD officer firing approximately 10 rifle rounds and an IMPD officer discharging his pistol around 12 times, according to FOX 59.
Despite repeated commands to surrender, the suspect did not respond, video shows. An armored vehicle and drone were used to approach the vehicle, where the man was found unresponsive, according to FOX 59. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel, and a firearm was recovered near his body.
No officers or civilians were injured. The officers involved were placed on administrative leave in accordance with policy, according to FOX 59. Multiple investigations are now underway, including reviews by IMPD’s Critical Incident Response Team, Internal Affairs, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and the Civilian-Majority Use of Force Review Board. The
Lawrence Police Department is also conducting its own internal investigation.
