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IMPD: Officers shoot carjacking suspect after pursuit ends on I-65 ramp

INDIANAPOLIS — A carjacking suspect was critically injured after being shot by police officers near Interstate 65.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the incident began as a crash at the intersection of 56th Street and Georgetown Road just after 4 p.m. Police claim that a passenger in one of the crashed vehicles reportedly carjacked an uninvolved vehicle following the crash and fled the scene.

Police reported locating the stolen vehicle within minutes and pursuing the suspect to an I-65 on-ramp at Kessler Blvd and 38th Street. Police state the suspect stopped on the on-ramp and emerged from his car.

According to police, the carjacker had a gun in his hand as he exited the stolen car and turned toward officers.

IMPD said officers had a “split second” to react to the armed man and reported two officers opened fire on the suspect. The suspect was struck by the officers’ gunfire.

Police later identified the suspect as 33-year-old Michael Barnes.

Barnes was transported from the scene in critical condition. He was later upgraded to being in stable condition, police said.

Michael Barnes/IMPD

Officers reportedly rendered first aid to Barnes after the shooting. A gun was reportedly recovered from the scene and was said to be laying near the man when officers approached, police said.

No officers were injured.

Eastbound 38th Street was closed at Kessler Blvd for several hours as the investigation continued.

Police said there is no threat to the area and all individuals involved in the incident are accounted for.

The officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave while IMPD Internal Affairs investigates, which IMPD said is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.

The shooting will be reviewed by IMPD’s Use of Force Review Board during a mandatory hearing.

Barnes was placed under arrest for violating probation on a prior conviction out of Grant County where he was convicted of theft, drug charges and possessing a firearm despite being a serious violent felon.

He will face new charges in Marion County in connection to this incident which will be filed by the prosecutor’s office.