Suspect linked to police officer shooting investigation makes court appearance

INDIANAPOLIS — A 20-year-old man linked to the investigation into the shooting of an IMPD officer last Friday night made an initial court appearance Monday.

Antione Jones is accused of resisting and reckless driving after allegedly leading officers on a 110-mph pursuit down East 38 ^th Street early Saturday morning, three-and-a-half hours after an officer was wounded while investigating a shots fired call at East 36 ^th and Wittfield streets.

”A man walking down the street said it was his sister’s house that got shot up and we didn’t know anything about the officer being shot yet,” a neighbor told FOX9/CBS4.

Jones and Jeffrey Bowling, 21, were arrested after their silver Kia sedan ran off the pavement and into a ditch at the Amber Woods Apartments just south of 38 ^th Street on North Mitthoefer Road.

A probable cause affidavit reviewed by FOX59/CBS4 reveals that Bowling matched the description of the vehicle’s passenger and ran into and out of a woman’s townhouse off John Jay Drive before being apprehended.

Police found a nine-millimeter Glock handgun and an AK47 magazine clip in the vicinity of his arrest.

Sources indicate that it was suspected that other firearms were also present inside the Kia and would be tested for their presence at the 36 ^th and Wittfield shootings.

Around 30 minutes later, according to court documents, Jones surrendered to an officer while announcing, “I give up,” in a neighborhood due south of the apartment complex.

Court documents indicate his clothes were wet from possibly running through the ditch where the Kia came to rest.

An address in the complex was listed on Jones’ recent release information from the Indiana Department of Correction where he finished serving a three-and-a-half-year term on June 26 for a Jackson County armed robbery.

During his initial appearance, Jones was told he faced charges of resisting law enforcement and reckless driving and he requested a Public Defender as the result of not being employed “for two years,” which would have coincided with this prison term, according to court documents.

Jones was given a $4,000 bond on the pursuit charges but faces a No Bond Hold until this weekend for an alleged probation violation as the result of an arrest within one month of his prison release.

He returns to court Thursday morning to face the pursuit charges while the probation violation hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Bowling is accused of resisting and unlawful entry but is free on a $500 bond.

Outside of court this morning, Jones’ family said it had no comment and did not know why he was under arrest or if he was connected to the shooting of the officer.

No one is charged with shooting the unidentified officer who is recovering from wounds to his abdomen and arm and will remain hospitalized.

Sources indicate that the unknown gunmen may have fired on the home on East 36 ^th Street and targeted a house guest who was not present at the time.

One community resident told FOX59/CBS4 that this isn’t the first time shooters have sprayed homes in the neighborhood.

”It seems like there are shootings over here all the time, you hear them every night,” he said.

Crime scene tape is still visible at a house some 50 yards west of the intersection indicating the potential location of the shooter who fired on officers as they examined the pavement for dozens of spent shell casings.

Neighbors said that IMPD detectives had requested home security camera video to identify the gunman and the vehicle though at the time officers immediately broadcast a description of a silver Kia sedan.

After not reporting any progress in the investigation over the weekend, IMPD issued the following statement Monday morning:

The IMPD officer shot in the line of duty Friday evening remains in good spirits and is on the road to recovery.  He will, however, remain in the hospital for several more days as he continues to heal and get stronger. Our department continues to pray for him, his family, and everyone involved in this incident, and we ask that you do the same.

Regarding the investigation, no arrests have been made for the shooting. Following a vehicle pursuit of a possibly connected vehicle, two individuals were arrested on unrelated charges including resisting law enforcement.  Investigators are still working to determine the connection, if any, this vehicle and these individuals have with the officer shot investigation.

There has been a great deal of information shared in the media from unofficial sources, which is disappointing given the sensitive nature of this case.  We will share updates with media when it is appropriate and when it has been confirmed.  These investigations take time, and we will not share any information that could potentially compromise our ability to get justice for our officer or for any victim.

If there is a significant breakthrough in this case or an arrest is made, we will notify you as soon as appropriate.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

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