Off-Duty Officer Shot During Stolen Vehicle Recovery Attempt

Indianapolis, IN – A surge of violence on the near east side of Indianapolis has prompted heightened police activity and concern from local authorities, following two separate but significant shooting incidents, one involving an off-duty officer and another resulting in an arrest.

In the early hours of Monday morning, a shooting involving an off-duty officer with the Anderson Police Department triggered a major response from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. in the 600 block of Woodruff Place West Drive, near East Michigan Street.

According to IMPD, the officer had tracked his stolen personal vehicle to the area and was attempting to recover it when he encountered two suspects. An exchange of gunfire ensued, leaving the officer with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition.

The shooting prompted temporary lockdowns at several nearby schools, including Arsenal Technical High School, as a precautionary measure. These lockdowns have since been lifted, with all students and staff reported safe.

Police have released descriptions of the suspects, both described as Black males, one wearing a black hoodie with tan or gray pants, the other in a gray or white top with black pants. IMPD has recovered the stolen vehicle and continues an intensive manhunt in the area.

“This will remain an active scene for some time as our officers continue searching for the suspects,” said IMPD spokesperson Tommy Thompson. “We ask residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”

Residents are urged to call 911 if they spot individuals matching the suspect descriptions or have any relevant information.

Man Arrested in Separate East Side Shooting Earlier This Month

However, in a separate incident, a 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred earlier this month in the same general area.

Tyler Grippaldi faces charges of aggravated battery (a Level 3 felony) and resisting law enforcement (a misdemeanor), following an April 17 shooting on the 400 block of S. Oakland Avenue. Responding officers found a man with a gunshot wound to the left thigh behind a home. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Evidence, including multiple cartridge casings, was found in a nearby alleyway. Officers familiar with the area linked Grippaldi to the incident based on prior interactions and neighborhood surveillance footage. He was apprehended on April 18 after a brief foot chase on S. Oxford Street.

Grippaldi declined to comment on the shooting, according to court documents. He is currently being held on a $40,000 personal recognizance bond, and his jury trial is scheduled for June 16 in Marion County.

Authorities are continuing investigations into both cases and encourage anyone with tips to contact the IMPD Homicide Office at (317) 327-3475 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-8477.

More details as they become available.