Suspect Identified in Beech Grove Police Shooting – Kenneth Terrell Johnson
The city of Beech Grove, Indiana, remains on high alert following a tragic incident Monday evening in which one police officer was killed and another was injured. The officer who lost his life has been identified as 33-year-old Brian Elliott, a dedicated member of the Beech Grove Police Department (BGPD) with two years of service, and a former officer with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. Known locally as a “Beech Grove kid,” Elliott had long dreamed of serving his hometown and had realized that ambition with devotion and pride.
Indiana State Police (ISP) have identified the suspect in the shooting as 47-year-old Kenneth Terrell Johnson. Authorities describe Johnson as armed, dangerous, and currently at large. According to ISP and BGPD, the confrontation occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday at an apartment complex on Diplomat Court. Officers were responding to a reported disturbance when Johnson allegedly opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.
The other officer involved sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. While medical teams care for the injured officer, law enforcement agencies across the region have mobilized in an urgent manhunt for Johnson. A Blue Alert, a rare and serious public safety notification used when law enforcement personnel are harmed, was issued around 8:35 p.m. Monday. This alert called for public assistance in locating Johnson, emphasizing the risk he poses to the community.
Kenneth Terrell Johnson is described as a 47-year-old man, standing 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a royal blue sweatshirt and blue pants. Authorities believe he remains armed, and anyone who encounters him is urged to immediately contact 911 and not approach him.
The incident also prompted heightened security in the Beech Grove area, particularly at Beech Grove High School. Although classes had ended for the day, students were present for after-school activities, including team sports. In response, law enforcement placed the campus on lockdown to ensure the safety of everyone on the grounds. The lockdown has since been lifted, but the search continues across the surrounding neighborhoods.
Local and state law enforcement agencies, including the BGPD, Indiana State Police, and multiple nearby municipal departments, have coordinated a large-scale search for Johnson. Helicopters, patrol units, and advanced tracking technology are being used to locate him. Residents in the area are strongly advised to remain vigilant, shelter in place if necessary, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
This ongoing situation underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face daily, even while responding to routine calls. Brian Elliott’s loss has deeply impacted the Beech Grove community, fellow officers, and residents who remember him as a hometown hero committed to protecting the city he loved.
The search for Kenneth Terrell Johnson continues, and authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. The community remains united in support of the injured officer, mourning the loss of Officer Elliott, and prioritizing the safety of all residents during this critical manhunt.
Brian Elliott’s legacy as a devoted officer and proud Beech Grove native will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, even as the search for justice continues.
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