Wednesday, March 1, 2017, 6:46 PM
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officers had two suspects run from traffic stop, one later apprehended and arrested on escape warrant.
Just after 1 a.m. on 03/01/2017, officers with the IMPD were on routine patrol in the 1000 block of Medford Ave when they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. Upon stopping, the occupants ran from police and officers gave chase. The officers broadcasted that there were two males fleeing from the traffic stop. After a brief perimeter, officers took 29-year-old Leonard Williamson into custody. Although he allegedly lied about his identity, officers were able to determine that Williamson was listed as an escapee from Indiana Department of Corrections and was wanted on a warrant for escape.
While officers were proceeding with the arrest of Williamson, SWAT officers were notified that a male was fleeing in a nearby alley. Within seconds, a number of shots were fired near the arrest location. Officers believe the shots were either fired at them or in the air in an attempt to divert officers from the arrest of Williamson. The on-scene SWAT and K9 officers immediately deployed to search for the shooter. After an hour and a half search, the suspect was not located.
Without this proactive patrol, this dangerous felon would still be on the streets of the Haughville neighborhood. Although officers were unable to locate the shooter, the IMPD is grateful that no citizens or officers were injured during the incident. It is important to highlight the excellent work that officers and proactive units are doing across the city and the immediate response by K9, SWAT and Southwest Late Shift. Preservation of life and apprehending violent suspects will always be a priority for the IMPD, with continued efforts in helping to create a safer community for all to work and live.
Anyone with information about criminal activity is urged to contact 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.
*The booking photo is that of the suspect, Leonard Williamson
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SOURCE: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department