Indianapolis police provide details into shooting, chase that injured officer, others
An IMPD officer was shot after responding to a shooting on the city’s Northwest side. Indianapolis Star
In a flurry of activity that took place over fewer than 15 minutes, police say a 21-year-old man shot two of his neighbors, intentionally hit a third person with his SUV, led officers on a pursuit, shot at three civilian cars, and exchanged gunfire with five officers, hitting one multiple times before he was shot by police, according to new details released by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Keith Allender was unprovoked when he shot two of his neighbors while they were sitting in their vehicle near the 6400 block of Kentstone Drive at around 3:40 p.m. Saturday, according to a statement from police released Sunday afternoon.
Both shooting victims were transported to St. Vincent Hospital. A 61-year-old woman was in critical condition and a 38-year-old man was in stable condition. A toddler that was also in the car was unharmed.
As Allender left the scene, police claim he intentionally struck a 55-year-old woman who was attempting to help the shooting victims. She was also transported to St. Vincent Hospital and was in stable condition. None of the civilian victims has been identified.
Detectives believe Allender shot at three vehicles as he drove in the area of 3500 W. 62nd St. No one was injured at this location.
IMPD officers located Allender near W. 62nd Street and North Michigan Road and attempted to detain him. Allender then allegedly got out of his SUV, fired two shots at two officers before getting back in his vehicle and driving south on Michigan Road. He turned westbound on 30th Street and stopped at the 1600 block.
This is where police say Allender exchanged gunfire with five IMPD officers. One officer was shot multiple times and transported to Methodist Hospital in good condition. She was released from the hospital Saturday night.
Allender was also shot, and a handgun was recovered at the scene. Police say they administered medical treatment at the scene until EMS arrived. They transported him to Eskenazi Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.
Allender, who has a valid handgun permit, is preliminarily charged with three counts of attempted murder, aggravated battery, criminal recklessness and resisting law enforcement.
According to IMPD’s statement, multiple officers had body-worn cameras which were activated at the time of the incident. At least on vehicle dash camera was also activated.
The officers who fired their weapons will be on administrative leave, according to IMPD PIO Lt. Shane Foley.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and there will be a separate internal investigation by the internal affairs team.
During a news conference Saturday, Chief Randal Taylor said the investigation remains in the early stages and there are no answers yet about motive for what unfolded.
Taylor also said the pursuit will be reviewed to see if it followed policy, but at this point, he said he believes the policy wasn’t violated. He also said officers handled the incident to “the best of their abilities.”
“Unfortunately, once again we’re dealing with gun violence, in this case, violence against our officers,” Taylor said. He stressed that officers can face danger every time they put on their uniform, but do that to protect the citizens of our community.
“In this case, they did exactly what they should have done,” he said.
In addition to the administrative investigation being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs, the incident will also be reviewed by the new civilian-majority Use of Force Review board, which has the authority to review uses of force by IMPD officers. The board will make an advisory finding related to the incident which will determine whether the officer’s actions were within departmental policy.
Detectives continue to canvass the area for witnesses and other evidence. Police ask that anyone with information call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
Emily Hopkins is a data reporter for IndyStar’s investigative team. Reach them at 317-444-6409 or emily.hopkins@indystar.com.
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Published at Mon, 31 May 2021 00:11:37 +0000