INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Indianapolis Metro Police have identified the officer shot while struggling with a shoplifting suspect over the weekend.
Ofc. Eric Rosenbaum joined the department in December 2015. Just last month, Ofc. Rosenbaum received the East District's award for "Officers of the Month."
IMPD arrested William Allen, 40, for attempted murder. Allen is a registered violent sexual predator with lengthy criminal history in four states, according to metro police.
The shooting happened near East 25th Street and North Post Road around 7:30 Sunday evening.
Police say Rosenbaum was responding to a call for a shoplifter at Lowe's near 25th and Post Road. The officer saw the suspect running and chased him down. That's when police say the officer, and the suspect fought and the officer was shot.
In an update Monday night, IMPD said Rosenbaum was in good condition. His fellow officers were told he was "in good spirits."
IMPD Chief Bryan Roach issued the following statement Monday evening:
“Each day, the women and men of the IMPD put on this uniform and leave their families behind to serve our community. No day is routine in a police officer’s job, and I’m proud of the work they do to keep our neighborhoods safe. We remain committed to working alongside neighborhoods, local organizations, and the entire Indianapolis community to make our city a safer place for all,” said IMPD Chief Bryan Roach. “We are so grateful Officer Rosenbaum survived this violent encounter, and our prayers are with him and his family during this time.”
IMPD also released a timeline of events leading up to Sunday's shooting, starting with the initial call to 911:
7:03 p.m.- Caller states she is currently in the Lowes parking lot located at 8801 E 25th St., blocking someone in who just stole items from Lowes. Caller stated the suspect is driving a silver or tan Saturn. Caller describes the suspect as a white male wearing a black shirt and black shorts.
7:06 p.m.- Same caller stating the suspect is now running on foot toward the back of a nearby hotel and Steak N Shake restaurant.
7:08 p.m.- Officers arrive on scene, caller disconnects.
7:10 p.m.- Shopping Cart containing items from Lowes is found abandoned. Suspect vehicle, a tan Saturn is found in the nearby Cracker Barrel parking lot.
7:12 p.m.- Officer advises he possibly has the suspect on Morningstar.
7:12 p.m.-Officer advises, he has a resistor.
7:15 p.m.-Officer advises he has been shot.
7:17 p.m.-Confirmed the officer has been shot.
7:18 p.m.-Officer shot at 2400 of block Galaxy Lane.
7:18 p.m. Code one called.
7:19 p.m.- Officer being transported to Eskenazi Hospital.
7:22 p.m.- B201 Established incident command on Galaxy.
7:23 p.m.-Injured Officer arrives at Eskenazi Hospital.
7:32 p.m.- One Suspect in custody.
7:32 p.m.- Medic requested for a K9 bite.
7:38 p.m.- 2400 block of Galaxy Lane is where the suspect apprehension occurred.
7:40 p.m.-Perimeter being collapsed from 25th to 30th Street, SWAT page to disregard sent.
7:44 p.m.-Incident Command being staged at 25th and Galaxy.
8:07 p.m.- Media staging 25th and Galaxy.
8:33 p.m.- Collapsing perimeter, anyone not on scene at Lowes or 25th and Galaxy can go back in service.
8:53 p.m.-Tow truck requested for suspect vehicle.
9:06 p.m.-Suspect being transported to Homicide Office.
9:07 p.m. -Breaking down to the inner perimeter, channels being brought back for normal radio traffic.
11:37 p.m.- Incident Command terminated, crime scene tape removed.