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Beech Grove, Indiana - A police pursuit led to an officer involved shooting this afternoon on Emerson Avenue just south of Raymond Street involving Beech Grove Police Officers. Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice requested the Indiana State Police to investigate the incident.
The information below is preliminary, this is still an active investigation:
This afternoon, a Beech Grove Police Officer learned information about a stolen vehicle from IMPD dispatch that was recently reported in Indianapolis. At approximately 12:20 p.m. the Beech Grove Officer observed the stolen maroon Honda at a gas station in the area of 3755 East Raymond Street. When that officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled. At onset of the vehicle pursuit, the suspect struck one of the involved police vehicles. The pursuit continued eastbound on Raymond Street where officers made at least two attempts to immobilize the vehicle with a PIT (percision immobilization technique) maneuver but were unsuccessful. The pursuit concluded at approximately 12:24 p.m. with a successful PIT maneuver, used by officers to de-escalate the pursuit. The PIT maneuver immobilized the Honda, causing it to come to rest on the center curbed divider of the four lane roadway. Officers attempted to get their patrol vehicles into a position to block the escape path of the suspect vehicle. Preliminary investigation revealed the officers were exiting their patrol cars to apprehend the suspect when the suspect began driving the car back and forth, striking the police vehicles that the officers were standing in close proximity to. A Beech Grove Officer discharged his service weapon one time toward the suspect who was still seated inside the Honda. The bullet struck the suspect causing a non-life threatening injury. The officers continued to communicate to the suspect with loud verbal commands to gain compliance. The suspect remained inside the vehicle for several minutes until complying with the officers' directions. Once he exited the vehicle, officers immediately coordinated and administered emergency medical aid to the suspect until paramedics arrived. The suspect was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Prior to being transported to the hospital, drug contraband was found.
The Indiana State Police along with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officers responded to the scene to assist. There were no officers injured in this incident. As part of this investigation, detectives are reviewing body camera footage.
The suspect was later identified as 42 year old Gerald Smith of Indianapolis. At the time of this release he is in a local hospital in stable condition.
The Beech Grove Officer who discharged his weapon is 23 year veteran Darrin McGuire.
This is an ongoing investigation and the information released at this time is preliminary. All crimes mentioned are alleged and all suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in the court of law.
 
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