'It's not OK, ever': Indianapolis police chief gives emotional statement after 2 officers were shot
Two police officers were wounded and a suspected gunman was killed in a confrontation at an Indianapolis, Indiana, home, officials said.
The city's police chief condemned the incident, saying "those who protect and serve deserve better."
The two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers were shot on Wednesday night after responding to a 911 call reporting a disturbance at a home between multiple people, including a man who was possibly armed, authorities said.
The shooting unfolded around 10:30 p.m. when the two officers arrived at the scene and encountered a man outside a home, police said in a statement.
"During the encounter, the male fired shots, striking two IMPD officers. At least three officers returned fire, striking the suspect at least once," the statement said.
Officers immediately administered first aid to the wounded officers and the suspect, according to authorities. One of the officers was taken to a hospital by his colleagues in a patrol car, while the other injured officer was brought to a medical facility by ambulance.
"I'm very thankful to be able to say that our officers are in stable condition, despite being attacked violently at the scene," Indianapolis Police Chief Tanya Terry said at a news conference after visiting both officers at the hospital.
Terry said one of the injured officers was saved by their bulletproof vest.
The suspect, identified by police as 21-year-old Dalys Scott Kohl Jett, was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Police released a photo of a handgun they said was recovered at the scene of the shooting.
The motive remains under investigation by the IMPD Critical Incident Response Team, officials noted, and a separate administrative investigation is being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs.
"If there's anything you take away from this evening, it should be this: Tonight, our officers showed up to protect someone in need, and they were met with violence," Terry said. "That's not OK. It's not OK today. It's not OK, ever."
She pleaded with the community not to normalize such violence.
"We need the community to stand up alongside us to make sure that we don't let this become normal in our community. Those who protect and serve deserve better," Terry said.
