Indianapolis Police Release Bodycam Footage of October Shooting at Speedway Gas Station Involving Antoine Beech

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) has released bodycam footage of a police shooting that took place in October at a Speedway gas station on the near southeast side. The officer involved in the incident has been identified as IMPD Patrol Officer Ryan Thomas, who has eight years of experience with the department.

The incident occurred on October 19 when several IMPD officers, who were wrapping up an unrelated robbery investigation, were informed that a man in a car in the gas station parking lot had an active warrant. The man, later identified as Antoine Beech, was found sitting in the front passenger seat of a parked white Chevy Impala, with a firearm within his reach.

In the bodycam footage, officers can be heard commanding Beech not to reach for his firearm and to show his hands. However, Beech made a sudden movement towards his gun, prompting Officer Thomas to shoot him in the right hand. Unfortunately, due to the poor quality of the gas station’s security camera video, the moment of the shooting was not captured.

Following the incident, officers provided immediate medical assistance to Beech until emergency services arrived. He sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand and a laceration to his chest. Beech was transported to Eskenazi Hospital in stable condition and was subsequently arrested on active warrants for dealing cocaine, resisting law enforcement, and driving while intoxicated. He now faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, with a court date set for February 14.

Fortunately, no officers or innocent bystanders were injured during the altercation. The shooting is currently under investigation by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, the IMPD Critical Response Team, and IMPD Internal Affairs.

The release of the bodycam footage aims to provide transparency and insight into the events that unfolded during the incident. Public scrutiny and independent investigations will play crucial roles in determining the appropriateness of Officer Thomas’ actions.