Docs: Indy man pointed firearm, attempted to steal vehicle from off-duty IMPD officer

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indy man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he attempted to carjack an off-duty officer in downtown Indy last week.

Andrew Pernell, 44, was arrested on Friday, July 19 and charged with a level 4 felony of unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and pointing a firearm at another, which is a level 6 felony.

According to court documents, an off-duty officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was driving their personal vehicle when it came to a halt at a red light at the intersection of New York and New Jersey.

Once the light turned green, a man later identified as Pernell approached the vehicle and allegedly pulled out a handgun from his waistband and pointed it in the direction of the driver. The off-duty officer responded by pointing his firearm at Pernell.

Court documents said Pernell then chambered a round in his handgun and began running away. The off-duty officer then called for reinforcements and a search for Pernell was underway.

A short time later, officers found a man matching Pernell’s provided description in the 900 block of North Meridian Street. When officers saw Pernell, he was reportedly smoking a Swisher-style cigar and walking through the city park in the 800 block of North Meridian. Court documents indicate this action was in direct violation of the city ordinance prohibiting smoking in a park.

Officers detained Pernell and reportedly found a loaded Taurus G2S handgun that was reported as stolen in 2022, according to court documents. While speaking with officers, Pernell allegedly told police that he “always carries that pistol to protect himself.”

Pernell was arrested and brought to the Marion County Jail where he will be kept until a date and time is determined for his trial to take place in Marion Superior Court 7.

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