CARMEL, Ind. — Two Carmel police officers shot and critically injured an 18-year-old man Thursday evening after police say he pointed a rifle at officers during a response to a reported suicide threat.
According to Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine, officers were called after a family member contacted 911 around 6:30 p.m. to report the man was suicidal. Police agencies in the Carmel and Westfield areas began searching for the truck the man was driving.
Carmel officers located the vehicle on U.S. 31 just north of 116th Street. Police said the man exited the truck and pointed a rifle at the officers, prompting both officers to fire their weapons.
The man was struck multiple times and taken to a hospital. Police said he was in stable but critical condition. No officers were injured.
After the shooting, police said the man continued to ignore commands after falling to the ground. Once it was safe to approach, officers provided medical assistance until emergency responders arrived.
The southbound lanes of U.S. 31 were closed for more than five hours while investigators processed the scene.
Police said both officers involved and their vehicles were equipped with cameras that were activated during the incident. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the scene and will review the case to determine whether any criminal charges are appropriate.
The investigation remains ongoing.