Full Notification

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) SWAT team serves a  narcotics search warrant. As a result, multiple officers discharge their firearms.    

Incident Type: Narcotics Search Warrant

Incident Location: 2100 Spann Avenue

Community Message: INDIANAPOLIS- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) provides an update on the officer involved shooting that occurred yesterday December 13, 2017, in the 2100 block of Spann Avenue. The following details have been authorized for release by the Chief of Police.
 
•    At 12:11 p.m., Southeast District Narcotics Detectives sited out to begin the process of serving a narcotics search warrant on the 2100 block of Spann Avenue. SWAT-assisted search warrant service at 2122 Spann Avenue. Detectives received intelligence information that the suspect (i.e., Christopher Johnson) was likely armed and violent. As a result, they requested the assistance of IMPD’s SWAT team.
 
•    After breeching the door of of the residence, the suspect fired multiple rounds at the entry team striking Officer Arthur Sibley an 11-year veteran in the left forearm. Officer Sibley was transported to an area hospital for treatment.  
 
•    5 SWAT officers: Ofc.Sibley, Lt. Stradling, Ofc. Muller, Ofc. Rabensteine and Sgt. Rand returned fire, striking the suspect (Christopher M. Johnson) multiple times.
 
•    The SWAT team secured the residence and the 4 (four) occupants, including the injured suspect Christopher M. Johnson. Additionally, 34-year-old Jesse Hamler, 20-year-old Jasmine Miller, and one 16-year-old female and one 14-year old male juvenile none of which were injured.
 
•    The SWAT team medic rendered immediate medical care to the suspect and injured officer.
 
•    The Marion County Forensic Service Agency (Crime Lab) recovered 4 (four) firearms, large amounts of suspected narcotics and US currency.
 
•    After consulting with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office detectives arrested Christopher M. Johnson on preliminarily charges of Attempted Murder and Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Handgun. Lastly, Mr. Johnson was also charged with Dealing and Possession of Narcotics. The adult and 2 (two) juveniles were charged with Visiting a Common Nuisance.
 
 
 
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Critical Incident Review Team is conducting a criminal investigation, standard for an officer-involved shooting, and a separate administrative review is being conducted by the Internal Affairs Unit to ensure compliance with departmental policy, guidelines, and training.  
 
 
*PD17140319 (report number)
 
 

   
If additional witnesses exist that have not yet talked with investigators, we urge them to call the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475

  The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is involved and will be consulted throughout the investigative process. The involved officers will be placed on Administrative Leave to ensure they receive coping services, and will be available to criminal and administrative investigators. 

IMPD’s wellness program will be available to address any concerns the involved officer may have.

 Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317)262-TIPS (8477). All tips given via Crime Stoppers are considered anonymous. This release may be updated as more information becomes available.

*No booking photo is available. 



Media Contact: Sgt. Christopher Wilburn
Public Affairs Office: 317.327.3424