INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD has released edited bodycam footage of a fatal shooting involving SWAT officers at Lawrence motel in August.
The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. Aug. 23 in the 9000 block of Pendleton Pike, near North Post Road.
An IMPD spokesperson said officers were serving a signed and approved search warrant at a motel for 40-year-old Kentrail Small, who police said was known to be armed and dangerous and in possession of narcotics.
Police said nobody responded when officers used police sirens and a speaker to try to get the suspect to peacefully surrender.
After Small did not come out of the motel room, SWAT officers forced their way in and saw Small and a woman coming out of the bathroom.
WARNING: The critical incident video contains graphic video and language. Those wishing to view it can find it here.
According to police, the woman complied with officers' commands.
In bodycam video, officers can be heard yelling at Small to "get on the ground" in the kitchen area of the motel room. Officers can then be heard yelling "he's got a gun," and two gunshots are heard.
Police said Small tried to resist being placed in handcuffs and grabbed a Draco gun, which shoots rifle rounds. That's when two SWAT officers shot him.
Medics took Small to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
IMPD said officers found two handguns in the motel room after the shooting, along with suspect narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills.
No officers were injured in the incident.
The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the criminal investigation.
IMPD Internal Affairs is conducting a separate administrative 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.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call Detective Sgt. Mark Prater at the homicide office at 317-327-3475. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
