HAMILTON COUNTY, Indiana — State Police is investigating following the deadly overnight shooting of an Elwood police officer.
The Elwood police officer was shot during a traffic stop and died after being taken to an Indianapolis hospital. Officer Noah Shahnavaz, 24, of Fishers, graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in April. He had served the community for 11 months and served in the Army for five years prior to becoming an officer.
The shooting suspect was arrested in Hamilton County, where State Police said a pursuit ended in a crash on Interstate 69 near 106th Street in Fishers.
Police identified the suspect as Carl Roy Webb Boards II, 42, of Anderson.
Boards was charged Monday with murder, resisting law enforcement and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
Madison County Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Hanna said the prosecutor's office will consider filing for the death penalty after evidence is reviewed.
Boards has a lengthy criminal record. He was convicted of battery with a deadly weapon in 1999. In 2001, he was convicted of possession of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. In 2006, Boards was convicted for carrying a handgun without a license, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, felony resisting law enforcement, possession of a controlled substance, and criminal recklessness. In that 2006 case, Boards had fired shots at Indianapolis officers.
A prayer vigil for Officer Shahnavaz is planned for Monday at 7 p.m. in Elwood. It will be held at the fountain at 1505 South "B" Street.
Timeline of events
Indiana State Police released an update around 9:40 a.m. Sunday giving more information on the timeline of events. It said Officer Noah Shahnavaz tried to stop a 2012 Buick LaCrosse near the intersection of State Road 37 and County Road 1100N in Madison County just after 2 a.m.
According to court documents, Officer Shahnavaz radioed in the license plate number. The last radio transmission from the officer heard him saying, "had a gun."
ISP said Boards got out of the Buick and fired multiple rounds at Officer Shahnavaz for an unknown reason. Shahnavaz was hit multiple times. His gun was found still in its holster. Investigators found 36 rifle bullet casings in the road that are believed to be from Boards gun.
Police said Boards then took off in the Buick.
Additional responding officers gave first aid to Shahnavaz until an ambulance arrived. He was taken to a hospital in Elwood before being moved to a hospital in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, Shahnavaz did not survive his injuries.
Around 2:30 a.m., the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department attempted to stop the Buick on State Road 37. A tire deflation device was used on it near State Road 37 and 146th Street, but the Buick kept going and made it onto I-69.
Fishers Police Department officers then twice used their vehicles to stop the Buick. The second time, the Buick hit the median barrier and came to a stop. Officers were then able to arrest Boards.
During the arrest of Boards, a handgun was located on him. It was a 9mm handgun. A black rifle with a high-capacity magazine was on the driver seat of the vehicle. A high-capacity magazine was also found at the barber shop Boards worked at.
According to court documents, Boards called his parents and girlfriend on FaceTime while running from police.
Investigators learned Boards was released from parole on Aug. 16, 2021.
Community reaction
Hamilton Southeastern Schools released the following statement:
Our school community has experienced tremendous loss this year. We are deeply saddened by the death of Elwood police officer Noah Shahnavaz, a 2016 graduate of Fishers High School.
While a student at Fishers, Noah was involved in marching band, drumline and wrestling. He is remembered for his friendly, easy-going and caring personality and was said to have always gone out of his way to make others feel appreciated. During his time at FHS, Noah expressed an interest in law enforcement, enrolling in a specialized class his senior year.
“His dream was to serve others and we are proud of what he accomplished in such a short time, both in the military and with Elwood Police,” says Fishers High School Principal Jason Urban. “The entire FHS Tiger family grieves this tragic loss of such a promising young man full of talent and potential.”
Immediately following his graduation from Fishers High School, Noah entered the U.S. Army, attaining his Air Assault badge and the rank of Sergeant during his five-year term. He then joined the Elwood Police Department in August 2021 after successful completion of training from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
“Noah’s passing is a reminder of the dangers our brave men and women willingly face every day to keep us safe,” said Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes. “We ask that everyone please continue to keep Officer Shahnavaz’s loved ones, friends, colleagues and the entire Elwood Police Department in your hearts.”
Noah is survived by two siblings and his parents. His mother is currently an elementary teacher for HSE Schools.
A moment of silence will be held at the all-staff convocation on Tuesday in remembrance of HSE students, staff and family members we have lost this year.
Law enforcement agencies shared condolences on their social media pages.
IMPD posted: We mourn the loss of the Elwood Police Department officer who will killed early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, coworkers, and Elwood community.
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office posted: Our agency is mourning the senseless murder of a police officer from the Elwood Police Department early this morning. Please help lift up the family and friends of this hero in your thoughts and prayers.
The Fishers Police Department posted: The Fishers Police Department and our community are grieving with the Elwood Police Department after the tragic line of duty death of their officer today. We are grateful for the efforts and professionalism by all the officers who were involved in the apprehension of the suspect. Our heart aches as we send our deepest condolences to the family and all who knew the officer. We stand alongside the officers of the Elwood PD and will be there to support them and the people of the City of Elwood in the days ahead.
The Noblesville Police Department posted: Our thoughts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters at Elwood Police Department, their family members, and the Elwood community today. We will always stand with you.
The Peru Police Department posted: Our condolences go out to the family as well as the members of the Elwood Police Department as they had an officer who was shot and killed during a traffic stop earlier this morning. The suspect was captured.
Please keep the Officer, their department and community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The Tipton Police Department posted: Our hearts break for the Elwood Police Department this morning. Please keep their department, and Officer Shahnavaz’s family/friends in your thoughts and prayers.
The Howard County Sheriff's Office posted: An Elwood Officer gave his life today for his community in the pursuit of justice when he was shot and killed during an overnight traffic stop, according to the Madison County sheriff. A suspect is in custody in Hamilton County, where a pursuit ended in a crash that closed I-69.
Please keep the members of that department and their families in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this most difficult of times.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb posted: A family, community and state are devastated by the loss of Elwood Police Officer Noah Shahnavaz, a young public servant at the start of his law enforcement career. Not only did he choose to serve his fellow Americans for five years in the United States Army, he returned to Indiana to rededicate himself to serving and protecting others as a police officer for the Elwood Police Department. Our hearts go out to Officer Shahnavaz’s loved ones and his fellow officers. Janet and I send our condolences to all who are suffering from this senseless tragedy.