Antoine Beech: Indianapolis Police Release Body-Cam Video of Officer-Involved Shooting

Accident – Death – Obituary News : INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) has made public the body-cam footage of an officer-involved shooting that took place in October. The Critical Incident Video, released on Friday, provides insight into the police shooting that occurred at a gas station located near the intersection of Raymond and Shelby streets on the south side of the city.

The video starts in the 2000 block of Shelby Street, where IMPD officers were concluding an unrelated robbery investigation when they were approached by a concerned citizen. This citizen informed the officers that Antoine Beech, a 38-year-old man, was present in a white Impala parked at the gas station and had an active warrant for his arrest.

Upon receiving this information, the officers approached Beech, who was seated in the front passenger seat with a firearm within reach. The video captures the officers issuing a series of commands to Beech, including “Let me see your hands,” “Don’t do it,” “Get your hands up,” and “Hands up.”

Regrettably, Officer Ryan Thomas’ body-worn camera did not activate during the incident, and Officer #2’s body-worn camera failed to activate automatically. Nonetheless, according to statements provided by the officers, Beech made a suspicious movement with his right hand toward his left side, where the gun was located. In response, Officer Thomas discharged his firearm, striking Beech in the right hand and causing a laceration to his chest.

Immediately following the shooting, Beech exclaimed, “You shot me.” He was then transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Thankfully, neither the officers nor any uninvolved citizens sustained injuries during the incident.

Beech, who had outstanding warrants for dealing cocaine, resisting law enforcement, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, now faces additional charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

In response to the release of the video, Beech’s attorney issued a statement expressing disappointment in Officer Thomas’ inactive body-worn camera, which could have provided impartial evidence to determine the justification of the shooting. The attorney voiced concern over the increasing number of police-action shootings in Indianapolis and urged for a thorough investigation into the incident.

IMPD’s Critical Incident Response Team is currently conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting, while an administrative investigation is being carried out by IMPD Internal Affairs. Furthermore, the Use of Force Review Board, which consists of civilian members, will hold a mandatory hearing to review any attempted use of deadly force against a person once the criminal process concludes.

The release of the video aims to provide transparency and facilitate public understanding of the incident. By sharing this footage, IMPD hopes to contribute to a comprehensive examination of the events that unfolded on that fateful day in October..