SPEEDWAY, Ind — A special prosecutor will look into a deadly officer-involved shooting in Speedway on Feb. 12. The Marion County Prosecutor's Officer confirms to 13News that attorney Chris Gaal, a former Monroe County prosecutor, will act as the special prosecutor.
The incident Feb. 12 happened around 11:30 p.m. in the 5900 block of West 25th Street, not far from Interstate 465.
Speedway Police Lt. Angel Rodriguez told 13News officers were conducting an investigation when they encountered a man who ran from them. Police ran after the man, later identified as 28-year-old De'Aire Gray and said he showed a weapon.
That's when an officer fired, hitting Gray. At the time, Speedway police described Gray's injuries as non-life-threatening. Gray ended up dying at the hospital nine days later.
The Marion County Coroner released information about Gray's death, saying he passed away from multiple gunshot wounds.
None of the officers were injured.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears called for a special prosecutor to be assigned to the case to maintain the public's trust in sensitive cases like this one.
"The size of the Speedway Police Department necessitates a close working relationship between officers and employees of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. In order to avoid an appearance of impropriety, it is necessary to appoint a Special Prosecutor," Mears said in a statement Wednesday.
The Speedway Police Department has not yet released information on the officers involved in the shooting. The public incident report filed on the case indicates 18 Speedway officers responded to the shooting scene around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. As part of the investigation, Speedway Police called for a tow truck to transport a red 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier.
