RTV6 - BREAKING: Indianapolis police officer shot in head and chest, suspect killed - Local Story

Officer Rod Bradway

INDIANAPOLIS - An Indianapolis police officer died after being shot in the head and chest early Friday while trying to help a woman.

Officer Rod Bradway was responding to a domestic disturbance call at the Eagle Pointe Apartments in the 6700 block of Eagle Pointe Drive North when he was shot.

Lt. Chris Bailey said Bradway heard a woman screaming for help inside an apartment, and he was shot after forcing his way in to help her. The suspected shooter was shot and killed, police said.

"He did what we were taught to do," IMPD Chief Rick Hite said.

Hite said Bradway, a 5-year veteran of the force, was highly decorated and was a past recipient of the Medal of Bravery. He had also served as a member of the Wayne Township Fire Department.

Hite said he talked to Bradway's parents, who stressed how proud their son was to be an officer.

"(They) said he was so proud to wear the uniform, how it made him feel bigger than life, how he loved to come to work and do his job," Hite said.

"Blessed are the peacemakers in our community who wear the blue, and thank God for people like Rod in this police department," Hite added.

Director of Public Safety Troy Riggs called Bradway's killing "an attack against what is right in our city."

Bill Owensby, the head of the local Fraternal Order of Police, called Bradway a "true hero" and called out for the city's support.

"This city does very, very well in supporting our officers in times of need, and this is one of our greatest times of need," Owensby said.

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Officer David Moore was the last Indianapolis officer to be killed in the line of duty. That was in 2011.

Moore's father, Spencer Moore, came to Wishard Hospital Friday morning to support Bradway's family.

"The next few days are going to be horrendous for them," Moore said.

Bradway, 41, leaves behind a wife and two kids, in addition to his parents, a brother and his IMPD family.

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"He's one of those kind of people who will be remembered forever and a day," Hite said.

An ambulance was also called for a woman at the apartment where the shooting took place, and Child Protective Services was also called in.