Blue Alert Issued After Gunman Kills Beech Grove Officer

Beech Grove, IN: A beloved Indiana police officer who was killed in the line of duty in a senseless act of violence after responding to a domestic violence call is set to be laid to rest.

Brian Elliot, 33, a police officer for Beech Grove, Indiana, and his partner responded to a call for assistance for an apparent domestic disturbance incident after it was reported that a woman was heard screaming inside an apartment complex near the Beech Grove High School. 

Both Elliot and his partner arrived on scene. It was reported that Elliot kicked open the door but was met with a suspect who fired at them from inside the apartment. Both officers were taken to Eskenai Hospital, where Elliot was pronounced dead and his partner was injured and later released. 

Law enforcement officials then issued a Blue Alert for the suspected gunman. 

The suspect, later identified as Kenneth Johnson, 47, was seen on surveillance footage running between apartment buildings. An eyewitness alerted police that Johnson was hiding in a laundry room. Members of the SWAT team then arrived and apprehended Johnson. 

Video footage also showed Johnson throwing an item into a washing machine, but he changed his mind and recovered the item and placed it in a trash bin nearby. Investigators recovered the item, which was found to be a Glock firearm.

Johnson was arrested and charged with murder, among other charges, and is facing life in prison.

A Beloved Officer

Officer Brian Elliot was well-known in the Beech Grove community and a standout in his police academy class. Those who knew him the closest recall Elliot as saying he “always wanted to be a Beech Grove police officer.”

The tragic news of his passing was felt in the community immediately.

“I just want to thank all of the support that we’ve received so far in this troubling and indescribable pain that this family is going through and that our department is going through. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that today we lost one of our very own, Officer Brian Elliot. He has left a lasting impression and legacy, not only for our department, but the city,” a department representative, who was visibly upset, told the press. 

He continued, “My thoughts and prayers are with Brian, his family, and his wife Erin and all their loved ones.”

Rick Snyder, the President of the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, also told the press, “Unfortunately, here we are again. We’ve stood outside this hospital way too often, talking about officers who have been critically injured and officers who have lost their lives. You heard the background of Officer Elliot and the remarkable work he has done. He’s one of our shining stars that has fallen here tonight.”

He continued, “He’s a hometown kid. He grew up in Beech Grove, came back to Beech Grove to stand the line on behalf of his fellow neighbors. And here tonight, he has carried out the ultimate sacrifice.”

A Fundraiser to Support Elliot

A fundraiser has been opened by the Central Indiana Police Foundation (CIPF) to support Elliot. 

The CIPF wrote on their website, “On Tuesday, February 16th, 2026, Officer Brian Elliott was called out on a domestic call. He was ambushed and shot. He succumbed to his injuries. Officer Elliott grew up in Beech Grove. He had served as a Marion County Sheriff prior to starting as a patrol officer with the Beech Grove Police Department in 2024. All funds will go to his family and wife Erin.”

"His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and our community now comes together to honor his life by caring for those he loved most," the CIPF additionally said in a news release.

If you would like to make a financial donation for Officer Brian Ellion, please CLICK HERE. 

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