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Shots fired at IMPD NW District police station

An IMPD spokesman said "a few dozen shots" were fired at Northwest District headquarters late Tuesday night.
IMPDNWDistrictshooting

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department district headquarters was fired upon shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday.

An IMPD spokesman said "a few dozen shots" were fired at Northwest District headquarters, 3821 Industrial Blvd., which is near West 38th Street and Guion Road.

"Shortly after 11 o'clock, one of the supervisors was in the back of the building, heard gunshots," said IMPD's Northwest District Commander Michael Jefferson. "She comes out to investigate. She gets on the radio, advises other officers that she heard gunshots close to the building, comes out here and we discover at least a dozen bullet holes across the front of the building."

The building was hit. Besides the structure, at least two windows were also damaged. Three police vehicles were also struck. Repairs are estimated at $10,000-15,000 and will take two weeks to fix.

"An armed attack on a police headquarters is an attack on our community. Make no mistake, it is an attack on Indianapolis itself," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett Wednesday afternoon.

Bullets struck inside a detective's office and the work space of a captain, but the sole person in the building at the time was not injured.

"Could we have more incidents like this?" IMPD Chief Troy Riggs asked rhetorically. "Yes, that's why we're taking so much time and effort on this, not just to protect our officers but we're so concerned about this individual and some of the things we know so far, we're concerned for our residents even more so."

While police describe the attacker as angry and violent, they gave no indication of motive. Sources tell Eyewitness News a handwritten note was left at the scene of the shooting.

Riggs says the shooting may have been in response to a recent crackdown on drugs. The chief said that "individuals are getting desperate."

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"I ask that the entire community hold equal disdain for the shooting of unarmed black and brown people, as well as the shooting against our police officers," said Dr. David Hampton, Indianapolis Deputy Mayor for neighborhoods.

Police have not released a description of the suspect. Witnesses told investigators they saw an SUV in the area around the time of the incident.

In July, someone fired multiple rounds at an IMPD officer's house and vehicle. One person was arrested. This time, extra officers are actively searching for whoever fired these shots, but police are also asking for the public's assistance.

"We truly believe someone in this community knows who's responsible for this and we're asking for the community's help in locating that person, before they attack another police station or they attack someone in our community," said Riggs.

Mayor Joe Hogsett issued this statement:

"Last night was another sobering example of the dangers that face the brave men and women of IMPD every single time they put on their uniform to protect and serve this city. It was also a reminder that even as we seek to build bridges between officers and neighborhoods through community policing, there are an unfortunate few who still seek to divide us against ourselves. Let me be clear: Indianapolis will not tolerate the reckless actions of any individual who directs violence toward our law enforcement officers. They will be found and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As federal prosecutor, I saw first-hand the sacrifices that police officers and their families make in the name of public service, and I urge Indianapolis to come together and show complete support and appreciation for what IMPD does each and every day."

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