Elwood police officer killed in line of duty

Suspect found & arrested in Hamilton County early Sunday morning

Shahnavaz

Elwood police officer Noah Shahnavaz was shot and killed Sunday morning. Carl Roy Webb Boards II, 42, Anderson, was arrested in Hamilton County after a chase involving the Sheriff’s Department and Fishers PD. At press time, Boards was being held in the Hamilton County Jail on initial charges of murder with a firearm enhancement as a habitual offender.

According to the Herald Bulletin, Shahnavaz, 24, was a five-year military veteran who had been with the Elwood Police Department for 11 months. He is survived by his parents and siblings.

Just after 2 a.m. Sunday, Officer Shahnavaz conducted a traffic stop on a 2012 Buick LaCrosse near the intersection of State Road 37 and County Road 1100 North in Madison County. Boards exited the Buick and fired multiple rounds, striking the officer at least one time. Boards then fled the scene in the vehicle.

According to the Indiana State Police, officers from Elwood PD and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department found the wounded officer and gave life-saving aid until medical personnel arrived. The officer was taken by ambulance to Ascension St. Vincent Mercy in Elwood, and later flown by helicopter to an Indianapolis area hospital and was then pronounced dead, police say.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department found the Buick and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver of the Buick did not stop and continued southbound on SR 37, according to ISP. Officers continued to pursue the Buick and put a tire deflation device near the area of SR 37 and 146th Street. The Buick continued southbound on SR 37 toward Interstate 69.

Boards

Fishers PD conducted two precision immobilization techniques (PIT). After the second PIT, the Buick became stuck at the median barrier wall and became immobilized, which allowed officers to take the suspect into custody.

Madison County Chief Deputy prosecutor Andrew Hanna told the Herald Bulletin that Boards has a lengthy criminal record that includes a conviction in 2006 for firing a weapon at Indiana State Police officers.

Shahnavaz’s body was returned on Sunday afternoon to Madison County from the hospital in Indianapolis, passing through Hamilton County on I-69, with a Sheriff’s Department and local police escort.

This is an active and ongoing investigation, according to ISP. At the completion of the investigation, this case will be turned over to the Madison County Prosecutors Office.

“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”

– FBI Indianapolis

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters at Elwood Police Department, their family members, and the Elwood community today. We will always stand with you.”

– Noblesville Police Department

“We mourn the loss of the Elwood Police Department officer who will killed early this morning.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, coworkers, and Elwood community. #OfficerDown #NeverForget”

– Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department