IMPD Chief Condemns Officer's Threatening Language in Viral Traffic Stop Video

Indianapolis police chief defends the traffic stop but says the officer's language is unacceptable and does not reflect department values.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) chief has condemned the threatening language used by an officer during a recent traffic stop that went viral. The video shows an officer opening the driver's door and saying "I will f****** kill you." The IMPD chief claims the stop was prompted by a warning that students involved in a protest may be armed, and that officers found a loaded stolen handgun within reach of the front seat passenger. While defending the stop itself, the chief said the officer's language is unacceptable and does not reflect the department's values or the professionalism expected from its officers.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about police accountability and the use of excessive force, especially when dealing with young people. It also highlights the broader issue of illegal guns in the community and how that can escalate routine traffic stops.

The details

The video of the February 6th traffic stop shows a teenage driver and passengers being pulled over by IMPD. An officer is seen opening the driver's door and saying "I will f****** kill you." IMPD says the video has led to an administrative review of the stop. The department claims officers found a loaded handgun that was reported stolen within reach of the front seat passenger. The IMPD chief says the department has handed the findings to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office for review, but it's unclear if the driver or passengers could face charges.

  • The traffic stop occurred on February 6, 2026.
  • IMPD chief Terry addressed the incident at a public safety committee meeting on February 14, 2026.

The players

Terry

The new top cop of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Lee Merritt

A civil rights attorney who says the driver's mother has contacted him about the incident.

Rick Snyder

The president of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, who dismissed concerns over the officer's words.

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What they’re saying

“The statement that was used is not acceptable. That language does not reflect the values of this department or the professionalism that we expect from our officers.”

— Terry, IMPD Chief (wishtv.com)

“We are going to find this officer and hold him accountable. No badge gives you the right to threaten to kill a child.”

— Driver's mother (Social media)

“While blunt, the officer's verbal warnings and immediate actions prevented the matter from escalating.”

— Rick Snyder, President, Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police (wishtv.com)

What’s next

The IMPD has handed the findings from the traffic stop to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office for review. It's unclear if the driver or passengers could face charges.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges around police accountability and the use of force, especially when dealing with young people. It also underscores the broader issue of illegal guns in the community and how that can escalate routine encounters. The IMPD chief's response emphasizes the need for professionalism and de-escalation, even in high-risk situations.