Indianapolis Metropolitan Police say a mistake in identity is to blame for the recent shooting of a civilian.
A little after 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 3600 block of Foxtail Drive following an emergency call from a homeowner whose wife was the victim of an armed car jacking in their driveway.
Carl Williams told dispatchers his wife was approached by a man yielding a long rifle, and her black Nissan Sentra had been stolen. In the 911 call recording released by IMPD, Williams can be heard describing the suspect as a Black man wearing a red shirt. Near the end of the call, Williams can be heard exclaiming, “Is that him?” According to authorities, this was in reference to the suspect, who had driven away in the couple’s vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers saw Williams standing inside his garage with a weapon. Reports of the incident reveal the officers approached Williams’ home in a dark vehicle with lights turned off and parked a few houses down.
According to a statement released by IMPD, “The officers involved sought cover in an attempt to approach in a covert manner to investigate the vehicle.” Officer Christopher Mills, a nine-year veteran of the force, shot Williams one time in the stomach. Williams was then transported to IU Health Methodist Hospital in serious condition.
IMPD public information officer Sgt. Kendale Adams told the Recorder it is still too early to tell whether or not Mills followed proper protocol and procedure. “In investigations like these, they are very detailed and it takes a number of witnesses’ statements and reviewing of the facts.”
When asked how this incident will affect community and police relations, Adams said he thinks the fact that IMPD has been forthcoming with information will help.
“We have to continue to advocate for transparency and legitimacy in policing,” he said. “Nearly 24 hours after this, we released a timeline, 911 audio and we gave a formal acknowledgement that this was a mistake — when police mess up, we want to hold them accountable.”
Williams is expected to survive, and Mills has been placed on administrative leave. A series of investigations, both criminal and internal, will be conducted. The carjacking suspect has yet to be apprehended. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Indiana at (317) 262-TIPS (8477).
