IMPD believes man shot in police shooting was ‘suicide by cop’ attempt

INDIANAPOLIS — An 86-year-old man is in critical condition after police opened fire in an incident investigators believe may have been a “suicide by cop” attempt.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to report of a person shot at roughly 11:30 a.m. in the 5100 block of W. Vermont Street at a home near the intersection of Vermont and Lynhurst.

When police arrived on scene, officers encountered an adult male who was allegedly armed with a firearm.

IMPD said officers took cover behind trees and told the man to drop the gun at least 16 times. The man refused to drop the weapon, however, and pointed the gun at officers multiple times, according to IMPD.

Officers ended up shooting at the man as he pointed the weapon. After being shot, officers and EMS rendered aid until the suspect was rushed to a nearby hospital. IMPD said the suspect was listed as being in critical condition.

According to a police report, the injured man is 86 years old.

No officers were injured in the shooting.

Police said a gun was recovered from the scene near the suspect.

According to IMPD, the shooting is believed to be an attempt of “suicide by cop.”

Police said the original phone call to 911 was made by the suspect’s phone. The caller told 911 that he had been shot and gave a description of the shooter.

Police said the description matched the armed man who police found when arriving on scene. No other person was found in the home.

Police said a note was found in the home, however. In this alleged note, the suspect reportedly wrote about how he wanted to die and planned on committing suicide. IMPD said the suspect also reportedly told medics that he wanted to die and confessed to allegedly shooting himself.

At this time, investigators are unsure if the man shot himself or if his injuries were inflicted entirely by responding police officers’ gunfire. IMPD is treating the investigation as if the suspect was shot by police, however.

Vermont Street between Lynhurst and Cossell Drive was closed during the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call IMPD or contact Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.

Mental health experts said the most important thing friends and family can do is ask those they’re concerned about if they’re having suicidal thoughts.

“Sometimes, people will say things like ‘I’m tired. I don’t want to go on anymore. I can’t do this anymore,’ which to some people sounds like while you’re having a rough day,” Community Health counselor Kimble Richardson said. “They don’t often recognize that could be a sign of thoughts of suicide.”

Richardson also said the situation is tragic for the officers who were forced to fire on the man. IMPD says officers involved in the incident are receiving support from the department’s Wellness Unit.

“They work with mental health professionals to identify what resources might be needed or available to officers and their families,” IMPD Lt. Shane Foley said.

Those experiencing a crisis or contemplating self-harm are asked to call 988 for help.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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