Beech Grove Police Officer Killed in Shooting

Former teacher remembers slain officer's lifelong dream of serving the community

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A former elementary school teacher of Officer Brian Elliott of the Beech Grove Police Department in Indiana was emotional as she reflected on his tragic death. Elliott was killed in a shooting while responding to a domestic disturbance call on Monday night. The teacher, Tonya Reid, recalled how Elliott had always dreamed of becoming a police officer, even from a young age when he was her student.

Why it matters

The death of Officer Elliott is a tragic loss for the Beech Grove community, where he had grown up and returned to serve as a police officer. His former teacher's recollections highlight how he had dedicated his life to public service, following his childhood dream. This story sheds light on the risks and sacrifices police officers make in their duties to protect their communities.

The details

According to an Indiana State Police investigator's report, Elliott and another officer from the Beech Grove Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance call around 6 p.m. on Monday at the Beech Meadow apartments. Investigators believe the suspect, 47-year-old Kenneth Johnson, shot at the two officers, fatally wounding Elliott. The other officer was also injured in the shooting.

  • On Monday around 6 p.m., Elliott and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance call.
  • A candlelight vigil for Elliott has been set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Beech Grove police station.

The players

Brian Elliott

A Beech Grove police officer who was killed in a shooting while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Tonya Reid

A former elementary school teacher of Officer Elliott who is now an assistant principal at Hornet Park Elementary School in Beech Grove.

Kenneth Johnson

A 47-year-old suspect who investigators believe shot at the two Beech Grove police officers, fatally wounding Elliott.

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What they’re saying

“Brian was smart and so smart he could have done anything in this world. The fact that he served as a police officer speaks volumes to the kind of person he was.”

— Tonya Reid, Former teacher of Officer Elliott (wishtv.com)

“Today there was a visible heaviness at the school with the staff. The children are little. They don't understand that, but the staff, there was definitely a heaviness because a lot of them knew Officer Elliott and his family. Either they're his teachers or his sibling's teachers and it was just heavy today.”

— Tonya Reid, Former teacher of Officer Elliott (wishtv.com)

What’s next

A candlelight vigil for Officer Elliott has been set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Beech Grove police station.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Officer Brian Elliott, who had dedicated his life to serving the Beech Grove community, is a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices police officers make in the line of duty. His former teacher's heartfelt recollections highlight his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer and the lasting impact he had on those around him.