INDIANAPOLIS – Just after 2:45 p.m. on April 9, officers with The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to a domestic disturbance in the 1800 block of Edinburge Square on the city’s east side. As officers knocked on the door of the apartment, shots were fired through the structure, striking Officer Breann Leath. Responding officers pulled Officer Leath to a safe area. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) responded to the scene. IEMS transported Officer Leath to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition. Despite the best life saving techniques, Officer Leath died of her injuries. She was 24 years old and left behind a young son.
Responding officers also located another person shot. IEMS transported her to Methodist hospital in stable condition.
Officers located and apprehended the suspect, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
“Officer Leath was an example of what an IMPD officer should be. She showed resolve, strength, and compassion in a dangerous job, and was always focused on serving the community she loved. She will be sorely missed,” said IMPD Chief Randal Taylor. “Even while faced with an officer down, our East District officers demonstrated professionalism and courage as they brought her and a resident to safety, de-escalated the scene, and apprehended a dangerous suspect without further incident. I could not be more proud of the actions of Officer Leath and her colleagues on this heavy day.”
Tributes poured in for the young officer from the city and state. The Governor announced that flags should be flown at half-staff. A light tribute was paid to Leath on Monument Circle, with a solemn procession of patrol cars around the circle. The Mayor asked people to pray and reflect on her sacrifice at 8 p.m. on the day of her death.
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IMPD set up a memorial for Officer Leath outside East District Headquarters and invited the public to drive by to pay tribute.
Officer Leath was recruited in 2018. She graduated from Southport High School. Her parents worked for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and in 9-1-1 dispatch. She wanted to be a police officer from a very young age. She had been on the force for 2 1/2 years, and was also a member of the Army National Guard from 2014-2017. She served at Camp Atterbury, assigned to the 387th Military Police Company. With IMPD, she was assigned to East District.
Officer Leath’s body was transported to Crown Hill Cemetery on Friday, April 10, where she received full honors. The funeral was held on Thursday, April 16 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There was no public visitation.
At the request of the family of fallen Officer Breann Leath, the Central Indiana Police Foundation has established a fund in her honor. The Central Indiana Police Foundation has been designated by IMPD as the official fundraiser to accept donations on behalf of Officer Leath’s family, to provide a trust for her young son.
Tax deductible donations can be made by visiting the Central Indiana Police Foundation’s website: https://cipf.foundation/officer-leath-fund/.
The family of fallen IMPD Officer Breann Leath and IMPD have also designated shopIMPD.com as the official fundraising source for t-shirts and other items to support the Officer Breann Leath Memorial Fund of the Central Indiana Police Foundation (CIPF). 100% of proceeds will be donated to CIPF to support the family of Officer Leath.
The official design will be offered on a short sleeve t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, youth t-shirt and hoodie. From the Web site, select the product and color you’d like and your item(s) will be shipped directly to you. Please note, given the additional challenges due to COVID-19, shipping might take a few extra days. Estimated delivery from date of purchase is 5-8 business days.
