INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Metro police have made an arrest in a shooting that left an Indianapolis man dead.
Witnesses said Christopher Smith, 41, intervened in a dispute at Jake's Pub on Southport Road last Friday. He was shot and killed.
On Wednesday, IMPD homicide detectives arrested 32-year-old Derek Oechsle for his alleged involvement in the murder.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Oechsle came into Jake’s Pub very upset and agitated. wearing black vest, black and white hat, jeans and boots. He would stare at other people and looked visibly upset. At one point, he stood up and pulled out a silver revolver and advanced toward the bachelor party and struck one of the men with the gun.
Witnesses said that is when Smith approached Oechsle and tried to break up the situation, but the suspect pointed the gun at him and fired several times, killing Smith. Another person that was with Smith walked out of the restroom just as the shooting happened and returned fire.
Oechsle was taken to the hospital and was arrested four days later.
“My dad was the best man I ever knew and for someone to just walk in and take him out of this world without even knowing him, I was livid,” said Smith’s son Cameron.
Cameron Smith said he is trying not to focus on the suspect, but is thinking of his father, who he calls a hero.
“My father would have done the same thing in every scenario. Because that is just the type of man he was and I am so proud of him,” said Smith.
According to Smith's obituary, he and his fiancée had been in a "loving relationship for 12 years."
Funeral arrangements will take place Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation in Indianapolis, followed by a service celebrating his life.