Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Press Release Re: Raphael Dekemper Shooting
UPDATE #2 ( February 1, 2024)
Following threat assessments related to the officer-involved shooting on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in the 2600 Brookside Parkway North Drive, IMPD Chief Christopher Bailey announces the officers involved as 9-year veteran Officers Michael Sojka, Nickolas Smith, and 8-year veteran Officer Andrew Hibschman.
IMPD will continue to be fair and transparent with our community while protecting the fintegrity of criminal investigations and officer safety. IMPD formalized a policy in 2020 which outlines when and how officers involved in critical incidents should be identified to the public. This policy solidifies IMPD’s practice of conducting a threat assessment by the IMPD Intelligence Unit following a critical incident and prior to releasing the names of the officers involved to protect the officer and their families. This policy ensures information is provided to the public as soon as possible.
This incident is being investigated by IMPD’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). Detectives are working with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency to complete a fair and thorough investigation.
IMPD’s Internal Affairs Unit is conducting a separate internal investigation to ensure compliance with departmental policy, as is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting.
The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory review of this incident as it does for any use of deadly force against a person. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process.
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Update #1 (January 26, 2024)
The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased suspect as 48-year-old Raphael Nafees Dekemper.
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INCIDENT TYPE: Wanted Suspect Apprehension Leads to Officers Involved Shooting
INCIDENT LOCATION: 2600 Brookside Parkway North Drive
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Det Dustin Keedy, [email protected]
*Media inquiries should be made to [email protected]*
The information provided is preliminary and subject to change.
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, just before 5:30 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) East District Violence Reduction Team (VRT) were attempting to locate at 48-year-old male who was wanted on a warrant for possession on a firearm by a serious violent felon, criminal recklessness, pointing a firearm, and invasion of privacy. The warrant was issued as a result of an investigation from earlier in January when the suspect reportedly fired shots at known individuals at a residence near E 16th St and N Arlington Ave.
Today, officers observed the wanted suspect get into the passenger side of a vehicle. Officers conducted a high-risk stop at the 2600 block of Brookside Parkway North Drive using multiple fully marked police vehicles. A high-risk stop is commonly referred to as a “felony stop” where officers use distance, do not approach the vehicle, and give commands from their police cars, using them as barriers. Officers gave instructions using a public address system.
Within seconds, the suspect excited the vehicle with a handgun. Preliminarily, detectives believe the suspect fired at officers and officers returned fire from their department issued firearms resulting in the suspect being struck.
The adult female driver complied with officer’s directions and was taken into custody unharmed and without incident.
Officers provided the suspect with medical attention and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) transported the suspect to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition and passed away a short time later.
No officers or uninvolved citizens were injured during this incident.
Detectives located a handgun next to the suspect (a photo of the firearm is attached). One police car was struck with multiple bullets (photo of the police vehicle is attached).
The officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, which were activated during this incident.
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office will be assisting and will determine the exact manner and cause of death. The Marion County Coroner’s Officer (MCCO) will release the decedent’s names once a proper next-of-kin notification has been made. Detectives are confident there is no ongoing threat to the community. There is no suspect outstanding.
The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal investigation.
A separate administrative investigation is being conducted by IMPD Internal Affairs. The officers who fired their guns have been placed on administrative leave as is standard procedure in an officer involved shooting investigation.
The civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will conduct a mandatory hearing for any attempted use of deadly force against a person. This occurs after the conclusion of the criminal process.
The Police Officer Support Team (POST) responded to provide peer support for officers. The IMPD Chaplain’s Office responded to assist with those involved.
The IMPD Victims Assistance unit responded to assist officers and detectives.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Dustin Keedy at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475.
Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS.
Case Number – IP240007666