Video: Ind. Police Officer Fires Through Cruiser Windshield in Chase Shootout
An attempted traffic stop for Indiana police late last year turned into a moving shootout with a fleeing driver, who was fatally struck in the exchange of gunfire with officers.
The incident began shortly after 4 p.m. Dec. 30 when a Lawrence police officer tried to pull over a driver, identified as Kenneth Thaddeus Roberts Jr., 48, the Indianapolis Star reports. Roberts briefly stopped to let a passenger out before speeding away from the officer.
A chase ensued that stretched for nearly two-and-a-half miles and also involved Indianapolis officers. Body camera and dashboard camera footage was released Monday by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, according to WTHR-TV.
In the videos, clouds of smoke—said to be gunshots from the suspect—can be seen coming from the rear of Roberts' vehicle. The Lawrence officer returned fire, using his knees to steer as he shot back.
Once Indianapolis police joined the chase, officers were finally able to use their cruisers to box in Roberts. More gunfire was exchanged, and a brief standoff ensued, with a SWAT unit called in.
"IMPD SWAT officers in armored vehicles responded to the scene so that officers could safely approach the suspect vehicle without exposing themselves to further gunfire," the department stated in a news release. "A drone was also used during the incident to safely get a live video of the inside of the vehicle."
Roberts had been struck by gunfire during the pursuit shootout, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
No police officers or civilians were injured in the incident. Shots struck and damaged multiple civilian vehicles.
In a social media post Friday, Rick Snyder the president of the IMPD Fraternal Order of Police praised the work of the officers.
"STELLAR POLICE WORK by Lawrence and Indy Police Officers," Snyder wrote. "Demonstrates Value of Superior Training, Equipment + Skills
"Also shows there are times when Officers must shoot at/from a moving vehicle
Risking their Lives to Protect Communities #NotToday #StandingTheLine"
