Bodycam Footage Released from September Shooting that Killed Eric Taylor: Indianapolis Police Shooting Investigation

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Newly Released Bodycam Footage Reveals Details of Fatal Indianapolis Police Shooting

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) has made public the bodycam footage from a police shooting incident that took place in September, resulting in the death of 37-year-old Eric Taylor. The release of the footage aims to provide transparency and shed light on the events leading up to the tragic incident.

The incident unfolded in the early hours of September 19 when IMPD officers responded to a distress call reporting a domestic disturbance involving a weapon. According to IMPD, the female caller and her child expressed fear for their lives, claiming that Taylor, later identified as the woman’s ex-boyfriend, was threatening to “kill them all.” The chilling 911 call released by IMPD captured the woman and child’s pleas for help, stating that Taylor was armed and pursuing them.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers located the distressed female and her children at a nearby gas station on Worman Street. She informed the officers that she had received a call warning her about Taylor’s intentions to harm her. Fearing for her safety, she fled her residence with her children, with Taylor in pursuit, as stated by IMPD.

As officers engaged in conversation with the woman, she pointed out Taylor’s vehicle. However, upon being spotted, Taylor immediately fled the scene, refusing to pull over for the pursuing officers. While one officer remained to protect the female and her children, the others initiated a pursuit to apprehend Taylor.

The pursuit concluded in the 1800 block of Portage Terrace, located within the Bradford Lake Apartments off E. Stop 10 Road. It was at this point that Taylor stopped his vehicle in front of an apartment building, armed with a gun and a cell phone. Bodycam footage captured Taylor repeatedly urging the officers to “Just shoot me, just shoot me.”

Officers can be heard on the footage issuing commands to Taylor, instructing him to put the gun down and surrender. However, Taylor failed to comply and instead opened the passenger car door. In response to the perceived threat, Officer Bryan Gibson, a 5-year veteran of the force, discharged his duty weapon, striking Taylor and causing him to collapse into the passenger seat.

The bodycam footage clearly shows Taylor holding his firearm at the time when Gibson fired his weapon. Immediate medical aid was rendered to Taylor by the responding officers until emergency services arrived. He was subsequently transported to Eskenazi, where he succumbed to his injuries.

During the investigation, authorities recovered a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun from the scene. Fortunately, no officers or bystanders sustained any injuries during the incident, and police have confirmed that they are not seeking any additional suspects related to the case. As per standard protocol, Officer Gibson has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, the IMPD Critical Response Team, and IMPD Internal Affairs are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Additionally, a civilian-led Use of Force Review Board will convene at a later date to examine the use of deadly force in this instance.

The release of this bodycam footage aims to provide a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the fatal shooting and is part of the IMPD’s commitment to transparency. It is hoped that the investigation will uncover all the necessary details to ascertain the legality and appropriateness of the officers’ actions..