Community reacts to shooting death of Elwood police officer

ELWOOD, Ind. (WISH) — Community members have been placing flowers at a memorial for Elwood police officer Noah Shahnavaz, the 24-year-old who was fatally shot in the line of duty early Sunday morning.

Residents and law enforcement officers say they are sad and angry over his death.

Mayor Todd Jones of Elwood was one of many people who shared his condolences.

“Finding the right words today has definitely been a challenge. How do you put into words the feelings and emotions that we’re all experiencing here today. Noah proudly wore the Ellwood Police Department uniform serving the citizens of Elwood. He was part of our city family. A senseless act of violence robbed this young man of the life and career that he had ahead of him,” said Jones.

Flowers and balloons in the memory of Officer Shahnavaz graced an Elwood police car all day outside the Elwood Police Department.

Bill Partlow and his son Michael paid their respects hours after the officer was killed, and expressed their disbelief.

“The fact of it is, I guess, this world’s going crazy,” Partlow said.

Shahnavaz’s murder stunned the small town of Elwood, where residents say violent crime is rare.

If you’d like to support the Shahnavez family, a memorial fund was started Monday at Chase Bank. Donations can be made at any Chase Bank around the state.