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IMPD officer fires gun at man near 33rd and Illinois, warrant issued for suspect

33rd and Illinois
33rd and Illinois
Posted at 3:12 PM, Dec 09, 2022
and last updated 2022-12-13 21:41:34-05

INDIANAPOLIS — An IMPD officer fired their gun at a suspect — but did not hit them — during an incident Friday afternoon on the city's north side, an official says.

Authorities were conducting a firearms investigation and performed a traffic stop around 1:30 p.m. near West 33rd and North Illinois Streets.

Three people were in the vehicle and police say one of the passengers, Trevin Wheatley, shoved or hit a detective before running from the vehicle.

The probable cause affidavit says a foot pursuit was started and the detective saw Wheatley pull out a gun. Shots were exchanged by both parties but no one was injured.

The affidavit says body camera video shows the detective ordered Wheatley to get on the ground and show his hands but he refused.

Police say the suspect then dropped the gun and was taken into custody.

gun in leaves illinois street impd gun fired.jfif
A suspect dropped their gun after firing it during a foot pursuit with IMPD officers on Dec. 9, 2022.

Wheatley, who is from Minnesota, told police he was in Indianapolis to attend a funeral.

"He stated he messed up and never should've brought a gun," the affidavit read.

The affidavit says Wheatley knew he was going to be searched as a result of the traffic stop "and decided to see if he could get away, so he took off running."

Wheatley also said he tired to throw the gun to get rid of it and it went off. The body camera video shows Wheatley appearing to throw something over a fence.

One gun, three fired cartridge casings and one handgun magazine were found in the area.

On Dec. 13, a warrant was issued for Wheatley. He is charged with two counts of resisting law enforcement, court records show.

The affidavit says the detective's firearm malfunctioned and it it is unknown whether he fired two or three rounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Erika Jones at 317-327-3475 or by e-mail at Erika.Jones@indy.gov. Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.