Court docs: Indiana officers tried to help woman, leading to fatal incident
By WRTV Staff
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BEECH GROVE, Indiana (WRTV) — Court documents released on Tuesday reveal more information about the incident that led to the shooting of two Beech Grove officers, which resulted in the death of Officer Brian Elliott on Monday.
According to ISP, Elliott and the other injured officer were initially dispatched to a 911 call of a domestic disturbance in an apartment on Diplomat Court at 5:37 p.m.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the officers arrived at the apartment around 5:40 p.m. and attempted to make contact with the occupants by knocking on the door. When they announced they were police, they heard a woman scream for help.
Officer Elliott kicked open the door, and the suspect, identified as 47-year-old Kenneth Terrell Johnson, allegedly fired shots at the officers through the open door from inside the residence. Both officers were shot.
The female victim remained in the residence and identified Johnson as her boyfriend, indicating he fled the scene, court docs said.
Both officers were rushed to Eskenazi Hospital. Officer Brian Elliott was pronounced deceased in the hospital.
The second officer, who has not been identified, was shot in the leg during the incident. He has since been released from the hospital, Chief Maurice announced during a press conference Tuesday.
Following the incident, ISP was requested to lead the investigation, according to the probable cause affidavit.
After obtaining a search warrant, investigators began to collect evidence at the apartment.
Investigators interviewed the female victim, who confirmed that she and Johnson were romantically involved and described him as her boyfriend.
Court documents say the female victim went to Johnson’s apartment to pick up her granddaughter’s fish. She told investigators that Johnson physically assaulted her and demanded she pay him $6,000. The victim said she screamed as Johnson held a nine-millimeter handgun to her head and threatened to kill her if she continued to scream.
The victim told investigators she heard a knock at the door, prompting Johnson to walk to it and ask who it was, according to court documents. The victim recalled hearing police identify themselves. The victim said Johnson had his hand on the door handle and then “stooped down and turned the gun on her.” She screamed, “Help, help!” and ducked down on the floor.
Court documents said the victim told investigators she heard two shots, a pause and then multiple shots. She said she retreated to the kitchen as shots were fired. She said the officers never made it into the apartment, and assumed it was Johnson who did the shooting due to all the blood on the stairs.
ISP confirmed on Monday that Johnson was apprehended by IMPD SWAT after ISP and other agencies were actively searching for the suspect for hours following the incident.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Johnson was found in the laundry room of the apartment building, adjacent to the scene of the crime, at around 10:19 p.m.
A handgun was found in the small trash can in the laundry room where Johnson was found, court documents said.
ISP said the suspect was taken into custody without incident after a concerned citizen tipped off officers. Officers say he was the only suspect involved in this incident.
Investigators attempted to interview Johnson following his apprehension, court documents say. Johnson requested a lawyer after being read his Miranda Rights, and the interview ended.
Officials say Officer Elliott, 33, was a Beech Grove High School graduate.
Officer Elliott served with the Beech Grove Police since April 2024, after serving four years with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
“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,” said Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice in a statement on social media. “We are grateful to the team at Eskenazi Hospital, and our law enforcement and community partners for their extraordinary response and support.”
Officials and surrounding police departments have turned to social media to share their condolences.
“I am heartbroken to learn that one of the Beech Grove police officers injured in this tragic shooting has died. This devastating loss is felt far beyond the department — it is felt by our entire community. My deepest condolences are with the officer’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and all who are grieving during this incredibly painful time.We also continue to hold the injured officer in our thoughts and pray for their recovery. Every day, our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect our neighborhoods and safeguard our residents. Their courage and commitment represent the very best of public service. We stand united in support of the Beech Grove Police Department and all public safety professionals who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. May we honor this fallen officer through our gratitude, our compassion, and our continued commitment to one another.”
– City-County Councilor President Maggie A. Lewis
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