ELWOOD — An Elwood Police Officer died early Sunday morning after a shooting, according to Indiana State Police.
ISP says around 2 a.m., Officer Noah Shahnavaz, 24, was conducting a traffic stop near the intersection of State Road 37 and County Road 1100N in Madison County.
"For an unknown reason, the suspect exited the Buick and fired multiple rounds striking the officer at least one time. Before additional officers arrived, the suspect fled from the scene," ISP wrote in a news release.
Shahnavaz was taken to an Elwood hospital before being flown to Indianapolis. He later died as a result of the injuries from the shooting.
A growing pile of flowers on the police cruiser from community members paying their respects to the the fallen officer in Elwood. @wrtv
— Meredith Hackler (@MhacklerTV) July 31, 2022
A press conference is scheduled for 2, where updates on what happened will be given. pic.twitter.com/Hi8IQFwtm5
Just after 2:30 a.m., the suspect's vehicle was located by Hamilton County deputies. Deputies tried to do a traffic stop but say the suspect fled and eventually ended up on I-69. At one point, the suspect hit a median barrier wall. He was taken into custody and "gave up without further incident," according to ISP Sergeant Scott Keegan.
Elwood police said during a press conference Sunday afternoon that Shahnavaz was with the department for 11 months and was a five-year Army veteran.
Shahnavaz is survived by his parents and siblings. He is a 2016 graduate of Fishers High School, according to the district.
Madison County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Hanna said his office planned to file formal charges against the suspect come Monday. The suspect has been identified as Carl Roy Webb Boards II, 42, of Anderson.
Hanna says they plan to file charges including murder, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and resisting law enforcement.
"After reviewing all of the evidence and discussion with the family and all those involved, we will make a determination as to whether we seek the death penalty," Hanna said.
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Boards is currently in the Hamilton County Jail without bond.
"Noah proudly wore the Elwood 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," Elwood Mayor Todd Jones said. "On behalf of myself, my family and a most grateful city, I'm asking you to keep Noah's family, Noah's friends, the Elwood Police Department and our city in your thoughts and prayers as we attempt to navigate through this tragic time."
ISP Superintendent Doug Carter offered his agency's resources to support Elwood.
"When’s it going to stop? I wish I had the answer. This young man served this country for five years and chose to come back and serve [the] local community," Carter said.
Carter says he visited with Officer Shahnavaz's family earlier Sunday. An account will be set up for the officer's family at Chase Bank by noon Monday, Carter said.
Shahnavaz's body was escorted back to Madison County Sunday night.
Hometown Hero Honored
— Rafael Sánchez (@RafaelOnTV) August 1, 2022
Friends are remembering Elwood Police Officer Noah Shahnavaz as a talented musician at Fishers High School. One friend tells us Noah loved this country, his job, and his family with everything he had.He graduated from Fishers High in 2016. @wrtv pic.twitter.com/Gl9iOHkeDy
Students are asked to wear black and or blue to school Monday at Elwood Elementary School to support Shahnavaz.
The Elwood High School Athletic Department is currently accepting donations for the police department and the family of Shahvanaz.
Those interested in donating are asked to call or text 765-617-0212.
Governor Eric Holcomb released the following statement Sunday evening.
"A family, community and state are devastated by the loss of Officer Noah Shahnavaz, a young public servant at the start of his law enforcement career. Not only did he choose to serve his fellow Americans for five years in the United States Army, he returned to Indiana to rededicate himself to serving and protecting others as a police officer for the Elwood Police Department. Our hearts go out to Officer Shahnavaz’s loved ones and his fellow officers. Janet and I send our condolences to all who are suffering from this senseless tragedy.”
In a Facebook post, the Madison County Sheriff said "Prayers. Senseless act. Please join us in holding up Elwood PD’s officers and their families."
The Elwood Police Department announced Monday that a vigil would be held 7 p.m. by the Elwood municipal building at 1505 South B Street for Shahnavaz.
In the event of inclement weather, the vigil will be moved to the gymnasium of the Elwood Junior-Senior High School, 1137 N. 19th St.
The Fairmount Police Department says they will be collecting donations for the officer's family.
The shooting comes five years to the week of the shooting death of Southport Lieutenant Aaron Allen. He was killed on July 27, 2017.
Many first responder agencies across Central Indiana expressed condolences on Facebook.
Our deepest condolences to the #Elwood Police Department and the family, friends, and colleagues of the officer killed in the line of duty this morning. Our hearts are heavy for your loss. #EOW pic.twitter.com/V5dSHBipiu
— FBI Indianapolis (@FBIIndianapolis) July 31, 2022
Clearly, the loss of any life is devastating. The loss of a young officers life in the beginning of what was hoped to be many years of public service is particularly hurtful. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shahnavaz family and to his police family at Elwood PD. In the coming days you will see the outpouring of love and support that Hoosiers have for their men and women in law enforcement. Embrace that, remember that, and never forget this officers extreme sacrifice that he made protecting the citizens of Elwood.
