INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man shot and killed by IMPD on Indy’s near east side is identified as a convicted murderer.
The incident marks the first officer-involved shooting in 2024.
The shooting took place following a traffic stop near Rural and Brookside Parkway North Drive.
Stepping out of the passenger side of a car just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday night, IMPD claimed a wanted felon named Raphael Dekemper immediately fired shots at officers who returned fire, killing the 48-year-old.
IMPD shared pictures of one squad car struck by bullets and insisted a handgun was located next to the suspect.
“This individual was wrong to pull his gun on a police officer,” said Rev. David Greene.
Reverend David Greene with the Concerned Clergy has been critical of IMPD at times but admits the use of force in this case appears justified.
“We want our police officers to go home safely. We so we don’t expect police to take fire and not fire back. They should fire back,” said Greene.
Court records show Dekemper was convicted of murder in Marion County in 1997. After serving two decades in prison, he was released in 2017.