INDIANAPOLIS — An attempted traffic stop on Indianapolis' east side overnight led to a pursuit in which an IMPD officer fired their gun, police said.
The officer and female suspect were transported to local hospitals for minor injuries not related to a gunshot, according to IMPD.
Just after 11:30 p.m., an IMPD officer working as part of the DUI Task Force attempted to make a traffic stop of a suspected drunk driver in the area of East Washington Street and North Emerson Avenue.
The car, described as a brown pickup truck, fled from the officer, leading to a chase that ended near the 700 block of North Bancroft Street. The driver then rammed the officer's vehicle with the officer inside, causing significant damage to the police car, IMPD said.
The officer gave verbal commands to the driver as they exited the truck, and at some point, the officer fired their gun, IMPD said. During a short foot pursuit, the IMPD officer gave additional commands and deployed a taser, then took the suspect into custody without further incident, police said.
Police later determined the car had been reported stolen several minutes before the attempted traffic stop.
IMPD's Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to begin an investigation. As of early Wednesday, IMPD said detectives would be arresting the suspect, though the exact offenses had not yet been determined.
A separate administrative investigation is being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs.
The officer who fired their gun was placed on administrative leave, which is standard practice following an officer-involved shooting. Body-worn cameras were active at the time of the incident, IMPD said.
The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing after the criminal process concludes.
Detectives were continuing to search the area for witnesses and additional evidence Wednesday morning. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Chris Winter at 317-327-3475 or Christopher.Winter@indy.gov.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.