IMPD: 1 man dead after holding woman hostage on Indy’s southwest side
UPDATE: The person killed in the 500 block of South Holt Road has been identified as 40-year-old Thomas Talley.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A man was fatally shot by officers after taking his ex-girlfriend hostage Sunday morning on Indy’s southwest side, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Just after 10 a.m. Sunday, IMPD responded to the 500 block of South Holt Road on a report of a domestic disturbance with a weapon. When police arrived they learned that an adult female was being held against her will by her ex-boyfriend, who was armed.
Police requested SWAT to respond to the location for an armed barricaded with a hostage. Hostage negotiators arrived at the scene and began speaking with the suspect.
SWAT officers were outside the bedroom door when they heard a shot fired. Officers entered the bedroom and four SWAT members fired their weapons, striking the suspect.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police located a handgun and machete in the bedroom where the suspect was holding the woman hostage.
The female hostage was safely removed from the home. Police have not released the name of the woman.
An IMPD representative said the city does not have a domestic violence problem but rather a conflict resolution problem.
Sgt. Genae Cook, an IMPD Public Information Officer said, “Unfortunately this is between two people who know each other and have some kind of relationship but we extend it out to everybody. We offer so many programs. The Julian Center has help and there are so many other agencies out that that are willing to give them assistance and guidance on how to do conflict resolution.”
The Marion County coroner’s office will determine the exact cause of death and will release the name of the man once his family is notified.
The four officers that fired their guns are on administrative leave until a review of the incident.
All body camera video will be reviewed as part of their standard procedure, according to police.
According to IMPD, they have been called to the home before and neighbors are concerned about the violence.
Kenny King lives in the neighborhood. He said, “It’s ridiculous out here. All the crime we’ve got out here. All the murders we have out here. It’s pitiful. It shouldn’t go down like that. Like I said it’s pitiful, I’ve got a 7-year-old granddaughter I am raising and I love her to death.”
King said he is considering moving to keep his granddaughter away from this violence.
“I’m thinking about selling my house, 3-4 years, to get out of this neighborhood,” said King. “I’m going out to Morgan County where my other family is at because it’s more safe out that way.”
Detectives continue to look over the area for witnesses and other evidence. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Scott Stauffer at the homicide office by calling 317-327-3475.
Help is available for victims of domestic violence. Below is a list of suggested resources on the Domestic Violence Network website:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
- National Domestic Violence Hotline en español: 800-799-7233 o texto “START” al 88788
- Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24-hour hotline available at 800-332-7385
- Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking
- La Plaza Indy
- The Julian Center
- Indiana Child Abuse Hotline: 800-800-5556
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
