INCIDENT TYPE: Homicide Investigation
INCIDENT LOCATION: 300 S. Meridian Street
INDIANAPOLIS - Just before 1:30 a.m., on 6.2.2019, officers with the IMPD were dispatched on a report of a person shot in the area 300 S. Meridian Street. When officers arrived, they located an adult male victim who had been shot. Indianapolis EMS personnel responded and pronounced the male deceased at the scene.
Homicide detectives responded and immediately began canvassing the area for witnesses. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to assist in identifying and collecting potential forensic evidence. The Marion County Coroner will be assisting and will determine the exact manner and cause of death. The MCCO will release the name of the victim once proper next-of-kin notification has been made.
During the investigation, detectives learned an officer was patrolling on South Meridian Street when he heard a gunshot coming from a nearby parking lot. He looked over and observed a male chase and shoot another male. The male was later pronounced dead at the scene. The male was taken into custody without incident. Officers and detectives believe that this is an isolated incident and the alleged suspect was identified and taken downtown for questioning. 30-year-old Eric Middlebrook was later arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail intake. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case and make a charging decision.
Last year, IMPD returned to community-based beat policing, rolling out 78 beats across the city that allow officers to get out of their cars and increase engagement in the areas they serve. This increased engagement meant the arresting officer was in the right place to take swift action and apprehend the suspect without incident before he could cause further violence. This morning was a great example of our officers’ commitment to protecting our city. In 2019, IMPD will increase the focus on neighborhood policing, shrinking the geographic areas of beats while increasing the number to 106 by the end of the year.
Anyone with information about this incident should call the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS). Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to www.CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest. Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards. This release may be updated as more information becomes available. Information given via Crime Stoppers should be considered anonymous.
A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
*Note: Eric Middlebrook’s photo attached.
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