FINAL UPDATE
INDIANAPOLIS - Detectives with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Violent Crimes and Gang Unit and Southwest District late shift officers have apprehended 31-year-old Michael Swafford. Through information developed last night, detectives tracked him to a gas station in the 3500 block of Kentucky Avenue. As Swafford exited the gas station, uniformed officers ordered him to surrender, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Michael Swafford was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Attempted Murder for his alleged role in the shooting of IMPD Officer Christopher Maher. During the course of last night’s arrest, a .50 caliber handgun and narcotics were found during a search of Swafford. He was additionally charged with carrying a handgun without a license with a prior conviction, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department would like to thank our media partners and the community for all the information provided during this investigation. We would also like to the thank the US Marshall’s Taskforce, Indiana State Police, Bloomington Police Department, and the Noblesville Police Department for their assistance during this investigation.
*NOTE: a current mugshot of Swafford will be released once it has been uploaded to our internal database. Copies of the probable cause and charging affidavits can be obtained from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.*
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UPDATE
INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) continues to seek the community’s assistance locating the whereabouts of 31-year-old Michael Swafford.
The suspect has an open warrant for Attempted Murder of a police officer and Resisting Law Enforcement. Detectives have received information that the suspect is now bald and clean shaven. The suspect should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
If you see the suspect, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPROACH. Call 911 immediately. If you have information on his whereabouts and want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317)262-TIPS.
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UPDATE
INDIANAPOLIS - Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for 31-year-old Michael Swafford. He has been formally charged with Attempted Murder as a Level 1 Felony and Resisting Law Enforcement as a Level 6 Felony. The suspect is alleged to have shot at IMPD Officer Christopher Maher on March 8, 2016.
The suspect is described as a white male, 5 foot 10 inches, weighing approximately 190 pounds. The suspect should not be approached and should be considered armed and dangerous. IMPD urges the suspect to peacefully surrender himself to authorities ASAP.
Anyone with information about the suspect's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-TIPS. All information shared Crime Stoppers is considered anonymous.
*NOTE: The probable cause and charging affidavit should be obtained from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.*
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INDIANAPOLIS - Detectives continue to follow-up on information they have gathered over the last few hours. They have not yet released any additional information to include suspect information. The injured officer, Officer Christopher Maher, is assigned to Southeast District and he continues to rest and recuperate at home surrounding by family and friends. Officer Maher has been placed on Administrative Leave, standard procedure, receiving the necessary professional wellness services as expected having been involved in such a traumatic incident. If detectives make additional information available this release may be updated.
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INDIANAPOLIS - A 14-year-veteran IMPD Officer sustained a slight injury to his left hand after the officer and an unknown suspect exchanged gunfire on the city's south side.
Just after 4:00 a.m., Southeast District officer on normal patrol attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic infraction. The vehicle, a blue Chevy Cavalier, attempted to evade the officer's attempt at a traffic stop and a short chase ensued. It was during the pursuit that one of the occupants of the suspect vehicle started shooting at the pursuing officer with what detectives believe was a rifle. Although suffering from an injury, the officer was able to return fire. It is likely the Officer's injuries were sustained from flying glass from his driver's side window. At least two occupants from the vehicle fled on foot. An intensive search was conducted for the car, that now had sustained rear window damage, and/or suspects however as of the release neither had been found.
Detectives are canvassing the area searching for anyone that may have additional information, and the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is processing the crime scene for information. Once detectives have had the opportunity to debrief all those involved we hope to provide further updates including a reliable suspect description. The officer was not seriously injured and remained at the scene where he receive medical attention from EMS personnel. The officer is currently assigned to the Southeast District.
Anyone with information about the car, again a blue Chevrolet Cavalier with a rear damaged window with Indiana plate number In God We Trust REX218 or suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Indiana a(317) 262-TIPS. All information shared via Crime Stoppers should be considered anonymous.
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