[chris]

On July 2, 2024, at about 11:40 a.m., IMPD Southwest District officers responded to the 5100 block of West Vermont Street in Indianapolis after a 911 caller reported a shooting. The caller said he had been shot, first saying in the head and then in the neck, and said the shooter was still inside the home.

Officers arrived and encountered a man outside the residence holding a gun that matched the caller's description. He was later identified as 86-year-old Richard Burus. Officers took cover behind trees and repeatedly ordered him to drop the gun, but he did not comply. Officer Pervine said Burus was pulling the trigger and reloading the gun. Burus pointed the gun toward officers, and Officers Pervine and Tomlinson fired their service weapons.

Officers detained Burus and recovered the firearm, a revolver-style handgun with six empty bullet casings inside. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services transported Burus to the hospital in critical condition.

Officers searched the home for the 911 caller and did not find anyone. It was later determined that Burus had made the 911 call, had shot himself, and had left a note indicating he planned to commit suicide. Criminal charges were filed against Richard Burus, and the criminal case is completed.