Indianapolis Police Chief Addresses Viral Video of Officer Threatening Teen

New IMPD Chief Tanya Terry responds to controversial footage and outlines plans for community engagement and officer accountability.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Five days after a video went viral showing an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer threatening to kill a 17-year-old driver during a traffic stop, the city's new police chief, Tanya Terry, addressed the incident before the City-County Council's public safety committee. Terry acknowledged the officer's language was "unacceptable" but also noted the full context of the interaction was not captured on video, including "de-escalation efforts" by the officer. An internal investigation is ongoing, and the officer has not been publicly identified.

Why it matters

The viral video has reignited concerns about use of force and accountability within the Indianapolis police department, especially as Terry, IMPD's first female chief, takes over leadership. The incident also highlights the broader tensions between law enforcement and communities of color regarding traffic stops and the presence of illegal firearms.

The details

During the Feb. 11 public safety committee meeting, Chief Terry said "two things can be true at the same time" - that the officer's language was unacceptable, but also that it is unacceptable for children to possess firearms. A handgun and marijuana were recovered from a passenger in the vehicle, though the driver who was threatened had no contraband. Terry noted an internal investigation is ongoing, and prominent civil rights attorney Lee Merritt is representing the 17-year-old driver, Trevion Taylor.

  • The traffic stop incident occurred on February 6, 2026.
  • Chief Terry addressed the incident during the public safety committee meeting on February 11, 2026.
  • Terry's confirmation hearing before the full City-County Council is scheduled for March 2, 2026.

The players

Tanya Terry

The newly appointed police chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, who is the first female to hold this position.

Trevion Taylor

The 17-year-old driver who was threatened by the IMPD officer during the traffic stop, and is being represented by civil rights attorney Lee Merritt.

Lee Merritt

A prominent civil rights attorney representing Trevion Taylor in the case regarding the IMPD officer's threat during the traffic stop.

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What they’re saying

“Let me be clear: the words used in that incident were unacceptable.”

— Tanya Terry, Indianapolis Police Chief (IndyStar)

“Two things can be true at the same time. The statement that was used was not acceptable, and it is also unacceptable for children to be in possession of firearms.”

— Tanya Terry, Indianapolis Police Chief (IndyStar)

“Just as we heard today, when concerns were raised about an officers conduct or traffic stop, she addressed it directly. That demonstrates accountability and a commitment to professional standards, which is what we need in our city.”

— Aaron Williams, Business owner from Haughville (IndyStar)

What’s next

The City-County Council is expected to officially confirm Tanya Terry as the new Indianapolis police chief at their March 2, 2026 meeting, following her recommendation for confirmation by the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee.

The takeaway

Chief Terry's direct acknowledgment of the unacceptable language used by the officer, coupled with her commitment to accountability and community engagement, signals a potential shift in the Indianapolis Police Department's approach to building trust with residents, especially communities of color who have historically faced disproportionate policing tactics.