Driver Charged After Striking Police Officer and Security Guard in Indianapolis

Indianapolis police chief calls incident 'reckless and violent' after video shows car fleeing the scene

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged after allegedly striking a police officer and a security guard with his vehicle in downtown Indianapolis. Surveillance footage captured the chaotic scene, which left the officer with non-life-threatening injuries. Police Chief Tanya Terry condemned the driver's 'reckless and violent behavior' and expressed disappointment that some bystanders continued recording the incident instead of offering assistance.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement and security personnel face while on duty, as well as the need for stronger measures to address intoxicated and reckless driving in urban areas. The police chief's statement also raises concerns about bystander apathy and the importance of community engagement in supporting public safety efforts.

The details

According to police, the video showed a vehicle fleeing the area after striking a security guard who was working in downtown Indianapolis' nightlife district. Shortly after, it was confirmed that an IMPD officer was also hit by the same vehicle. While the officer did not suffer significant injuries and is expected to recover, the driver, identified as 28-year-old Derrick Bryant, was arrested and faces preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident causing injury, and resisting law enforcement.

  • The incident occurred on March 7, 2026 in downtown Indianapolis.
  • Bryant was arrested shortly after the incident with assistance from an off-duty member of the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

The players

Tanya Terry

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief, who condemned the driver's 'reckless and violent behavior' and expressed disappointment in bystanders who did not offer assistance.

Derrick Bryant

A 28-year-old man who was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident causing injury, and resisting law enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“The footage shows a vehicle recklessly fleeing after striking a security guard. Shortly thereafter, it was confirmed that an IMPD officer was also hit by the same vehicle.”

— Tanya Terry, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief (IMPD Facebook page)

“Thankfully, the officer did not suffer significant injuries, and he is expected to recover. We are also grateful no one else was seriously injured during this dangerous behavior.”

— Tanya Terry, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief (IMPD Facebook page)

“What is most disappointing is that many people continued recording on their phones and going about their night after watching those working to keep the area safe get injured. I am thankful for the few individuals who stepped forward to help.”

— Tanya Terry, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief (IMPD Facebook page)

“No one who wears a badge or stands guard to protect this community should ever be treated as a target or a spectacle. This kind of reckless and violent behavior will not be tolerated in our city.”

— Tanya Terry, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief (IMPD Facebook page)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Derrick Bryant to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks that law enforcement and security personnel face in the line of duty, as well as the need for stronger measures to address intoxicated and reckless driving in urban areas. It also raises concerns about bystander apathy and the importance of community engagement in supporting public safety efforts.