Police officer killed near Indianapolis, suspect taken into custody

Indiana State Police say a suspect is in custody after a police officer was shot and killed near Indianapolis Monday.

According to authorities, Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott was shot and killed while responding to reports of a disturbance in the community just after 6 p.m. Monday night.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that today we lost one of our very own, Officer Brian Elliott,” Police Chief Michael Maurice said in a statement.

Elliott was called to the 100 block of Diplomat Court in Beech Grove just after 6 p.m. for reports of a disturbance. During that incident, Elliott and another officer were both shot, and the suspect fled the scene.

Elliott later died from his injuries, and the other officer was transported to an area hospital, where their condition has stabilized.

“My heart goes out to Brian’s wife, Erin, his parents, and all of his family, friends, and loved ones.  At this time, I am asking that we lean on one another to get through this. We are grateful to the team at Eskenazi Hospital, and our law enforcement and community partners for their extraordinary response and support,” Maurice said.

The suspect in the case was reported to be 47-year-old Kenneth Johnson. He fled the scene and police issued a blue alert to apprehend him, and an Indiana State Police SWAT team took him into custody Monday night.

Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to call Indiana State Police at 317-899-8577.