Oct 24 police shooting video : Indianapolis Police Release Body Cam Video of Fatal Shooting of Darcel Edwards in Martindale-Brightwood Neighborhood

Accident – Death – Obituary News : INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Police Department has released body camera footage related to the fatal police shooting of 35-year-old Darcel Edwards in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood on October 24. The video, shared by IMPD, begins at the intersection of E. 25th Street and Park Avenue, where officers conducted a traffic stop around 4 a.m.

According to the police, Edwards, the driver, was pulled over for speeding. In the video, Edwards can be seen stepping out of his vehicle with his hands raised, mentioning that someone had hit his car. The officer asks him if he has any firearms, to which Edwards replies in the negative. The officer then inquires about the location of the damage on his car, and Edwards points it out.

However, moments later, Edwards gets back into his vehicle despite the officer’s warning not to do so. A pursuit ensues, and the body camera footage resumes when the officer locates Edwards’ crashed vehicle at the northeast corner of E. 25th Street and Columbia Avenue. The officer informs his colleagues via radio that Edwards has fled the scene. He then points his firearm and describes Edwards’ appearance.

Within seconds, Edwards comes into view of the camera, prompting the officer to shout, “Stop, get your hands out of your pocket!” The officer continues to demand Edwards to show his hands as he runs out of sight. Additional officers arrive at the scene to assist in the search for Edwards, and approximately four minutes later, he is found hiding in a tree.

Officer #2 orders Edwards to show his hands and get down from the tree. Edwards discloses that he has epilepsy and claims that he cannot climb down. He insists that the officers call his mother and doctor before he complies. Despite his plea, the officer repeatedly asks Edwards to show his hands and come down from the tree, assuring him that medical assistance will be provided.

At one point, Edwards suggests that the officer either tase or shoot him, to which the officer responds, “If I hit you with it, I need a reason so don’t give me one.” Edwards denies threatening the officer and reiterates his medical condition, stating that he does not possess any weapons. The officer expresses disbelief and the altercation continues, with Edwards repeatedly yelling, “Kill me.”

Eventually, Gunnar Gossett, a 5-year veteran patrol officer, shoots Edwards twice. Edwards is immediately transported to the hospital but succumbs to his injuries two days later. Although a gun holster is found on Edwards’ body, an extensive search utilizing canines and specialized equipment fails to uncover a firearm.

The incident is currently under investigation by the IMPD Critical Incident Response Team and IMPD Internal Affairs. The release of the body camera footage aims to provide transparency and facilitate a thorough examination of the events leading to Edwards’ untimely death.

To view the complete video released by the IMPD, please refer to the video player at the top of this article.

Sources:
– IMPD Releases Body Cam Footage of Fatal Police Shooting in Martindale-Brightwood Neighborhood
– IMPD Involved in Shooting in Martindale-Brightwood Neighborhood.