Police officer, 24, shot dead during traffic stop before suspect leads cops on high-speed chase
A POLICE officer was shot and killed in the line of duty after a routine traffic stop before the suspect led police on a high-speed chase.
Indiana State Police Sergeant Scott P. Keegan said 24-year-old Noah Shahnavaz was killed around 2am on Sunday when Carl Roy Webb Boards II, 42, allegedly fired multiple rounds his way and struck him at least once.
The motive for the shooting is currently unknown.
Boards fled the Elwood, Indiana scene in his 2012 Buick LaCrosse, leading police on a chase.
Approximately 30 minutes later Hamilton County Police ramped up the pursuit, as Boards was headed southbound on State Road 37 towards Interstate 69, police said.
Police deployed a tire deflation device which was successful but didn’t stop Boards from continuing down the road.
Read More crime stories
As Boards prepared to enter Interstate 69, the Fishers Police Department personnel conducted two Precision Immobilization Techniques, and Boards struck a guardrail median.
Boards surrendered, was apprehended, and is being held at the Hamilton County Jail without bond.
“This is a sorrowful time for law enforcement and definitely the community of Elwood,” Keegan said.
“It’s always a sad moment when an officer sacrifices his life in the duty of service to the community.
Most read in The Sun
Shahnavaz served in the military for five years and was in the force for 11 months. He is survived by his parents and siblings.
“Today has definitely been a challenge,” Elwood Mayor Todd Jones said.
“How do you put into words the feelings and emotions that we’re all experiencing here today?”
“Noah proudly wore the Elwood Police Department uniform, serving the citizens of Elwood, he was part of our city family.
“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.”
Andrew Hannah, Chief Deputy Prosecutor in Madison County, said his office will file murder, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, resisting law enforcement, and the use of a firearm enhancement charges against Boards on Monday.
The firearm enhancement charge carries additional sentencing penalties.
Another penalty, known as the habitual offender enhancement, will be applied to the case given Boards’ criminal history.
According to state records, Boards was previously charged with battery by means of a deadly weapon, theft, and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, among others.
Hannah will make a determination on whether or not to charge Boards with the death penalty after “reviewing all of the evidence and discussions with the family and all those involved,” he said.
“Telling Noah’s story is going to be really important not just for the community but for the Elwood PD and for all of our chosen professions, State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said.
“This young man served this country for five years and chose to come back and serve a local community and these senseless acts of violence perpetuate our society and none of us understand why, but I’m confident here in Madison that the right things will occur.”
Read More on The US Sun
Carter said the family does want to tell Noah’s story but is asking for privacy at this time.
Police plan to set up an account at Chase Bank to collect donations for the family.