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Sparking outrage among Indianapolis law enforcement
A 43-year-old man who was shot by officers in February after ramming police cars was arrested again on October 10 for crashing into yet another Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department vehicle.
The suspect, identified as George Leachman, was apprehended while driving a stolen truck on the southeast side of Indianapolis.
According to reports, officers tried to stop Leachman for driving a truck with expired plates. Leachman originally stopped for an officer, but then rammed the officer’s car multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Despite the damage to the officer’s vehicle, the pursuit continued, leading to another collision when Leachman backed up and hit the officer’s car again.
Police ultimately arrested Leachman on charges of battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.
IMPD Chief Randal Taylor expressed his frustration over Leachman’s repeated incidents.
“It is with great frustration and concern that I address the weekend release of Mr. Leachman on bond,” Taylor said in a statement. “Leachman has proven time and time again that he has no regard for the law, and should not have the ability to put our officers or the general public in any more danger. The fact that this individual has allegedly rammed multiple police cars, placing officers at risk of serious bodily harm or death, on separate incidents is absolutely unacceptable.”
Further, Taylor criticized the decision to allow Leachman bail, saying that his release puts the department’s officers at risk.
“Thankfully, no one was injured in this latest incident, but his release raises serious concerns for the safety of our officers and the community.”
Marion Superior Court acknowledged a clerical error in setting Leachman’s bond at $4,500 instead of the intended $45,000.
The court is working to rectify the mistake, adding that it became aware of the error after Leachman’s release on November 4.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter was also dismayed at Leachman being offered bond, given his history of ramming police cars.
“This guy had no business on the street. If he’s out on bond and he got re-arrested, he should not have had a bond because he violated the first bond,” Carter said.
Leachman’s extensive criminal record includes incidents in 2017 and 2018 where he struck police cars and injured officers. In 2023 alone, IMPD reported that Leachman caused more than $67,000 in damages to police cars.
The Indianapolis law enforcement community, including Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Snyder, was disappointed with the court’s decision.
“Our legal profession and the folks within it just can’t seem to wrap their minds around this that we can’t keep having a revolving door of criminal justice that threatens the safety of all of us,” Snyder said in a video.
Leachman is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on November 21 related to the February incident that led to his shooting by officers.
Prosecutors are seeking an additional charge of Leachman being a habitual offender. The incident has reignited calls for oversight and review of the legal system by law enforcement officials.
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