Man Fatally Shot by Indianapolis Police After Allegedly Pointing Gun on Porch: What We Know About the Death of Lemar Brandon Quarles
Indianapolis, IN — On May 2, 2024, 35-year-old Lemar Brandon Quarles was fatally shot by two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers during a tense encounter on the city’s north side. The incident, which unfolded on the front porch of a residential home, was captured on a doorbell camera and later released to the public, raising serious questions about police use of force, body camera policy, and mental health response protocols.
The Incident
Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a man — later identified as Quarles — behaving erratically and allegedly threatening neighbors with a firearm in the 3900 block of Broadway Street. One caller said the man had pointed a gun at people and appeared to be in a state of emotional or mental distress.
According to IMPD, officers Ivan Flick and Randall Buck arrived on the scene shortly after 2:15 p.m. As Officer Flick approached the porch, he commanded Quarles to show his hands. Moments later, Quarles reportedly raised a handgun and pointed it toward the officer.
The Shooting
Doorbell camera footage from the home shows Officer Flick with his weapon drawn, shouting commands. Within seconds, Flick fires multiple rounds at Quarles from close range. Simultaneously, Officer Buck — positioned on the lawn — also fires at Quarles. He collapses onto the porch as officers move in to secure the scene and provide aid.
Quarles was transported to Methodist Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A firearm was recovered on the porch, and police later confirmed that it was struck by at least one bullet during the shooting. The exact number of rounds fired has not yet been confirmed.
Body Camera Controversy
One of the most controversial elements of the case is the lack of immediate body camera footage from Officer Flick. IMPD officials confirmed that Flick’s body camera had not been activated at the time he fired his weapon. The camera only began recording after shots had already been fired — a violation of department policy requiring officers to activate body cams prior to engaging with the public.
The failure to record the full encounter from the officer’s point of view has drawn criticism from local advocacy groups and raised questions about accountability.
Mental Health Concerns
Witnesses reported that Quarles appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Some neighbors described him as disoriented or paranoid, and several 911 callers expressed concern that he was not in a stable mental state.
This aspect of the case has fueled ongoing debates about how police interact with individuals experiencing mental health episodes and whether non-lethal or de-escalation tactics were sufficiently considered.
Ongoing Investigations
The incident is currently under investigation by the IMPD’s Critical Incident Response Team, Internal Affairs, and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. A civilian-majority Use of Force Review Board will also examine the case in accordance with department policy.
Both officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations.
Community Response
The release of the doorbell footage sparked a wave of online discussion and concern in the Indianapolis community. While some support the officers’ split-second decision based on the threat they perceived, others argue that the situation could have been resolved without lethal force — particularly given the reported mental health concerns.
Civil rights organizations and local activists have called for greater transparency, a full release of all 911 call recordings, and a review of IMPD’s mental health crisis response procedures.
Conclusion
The death of Lemar Brandon Quarles highlights the complex challenges faced by law enforcement when confronting armed individuals in the midst of mental health crises. As the investigation unfolds, public attention will remain focused on whether IMPD followed appropriate protocols and whether this tragedy could have been prevented.
Further updates will follow as new details emerge from the ongoing investigation.
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