PUBLIC SAFETY

IMPD officer shoots at car that nearly hit him, bystander

Madeline Buckley
madeline.buckley@indystar.com

An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer pushed a bystander out of the way of a car police said was careening toward them, and then fired a shot at the vehicle as it passed Monday night on the Northeastside.

Police were called to the 4100 block of North Grand Avenue around 10:18 p.m. for a report of stolen keys, an IMPD press release said.

The officer stood on the side of the road and spoke with the complainants, one in a car and one standing next to the police office, the release said.

Witnesses told police a car accelerated toward the officer and the man, appearing to steer at them.

The officer pushed the bystander out of the way, and then yelled for the car to slow down, police said.

The officer then fired one shot at the vehicle, leaving a bullet lodged the rear driver's side door.

The car stopped nearby. None of the four occupants were injured in the shooting, police said.

Officers took the driver into custody, and are interviewing the passengers.

Police arrested the driver, 26-year-old Ashley Eubanks, of Indianapolis, on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The Critical Incident Response Team is investigating, as is the Internal Affairs Unit.

The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, as is procedure when police fire their guns.

Call Star reporter Madeline Buckley at (317) 444-6083. Follow her on Twitter: @Mabuckley88.