Deputy Sheriff Gerald Morris was shot and killed after responding to a robbery-in-progress call at the Bargain Barrel Clothing Store in which Deputy Sheriff Terry Baker, who was the first officer to arrive, had just been fatally wounded.

   When Deputy Morris, who was also off duty but working a security job in uniform, arrived at the front door of the store in a marked security car, he was confronted by the suspects upon entering. Deputy Morris wounded a 31-year-old suspect before retreating to his car to request backup. They again exchanged gunfire outside when the shooter used the service revolver he had taken after killing Deputy Baker. Both later died at St. Vincent Hospital from their wounds.

   The 39-year-old suspect fled the scene but was apprehended in Tupelo, Mississippi, the following day. He was later convicted of murder and sentenced to two concurrent 60-year terms for killing both officers as well as seven concurrent 30-year terms for robbery. He died in 1999 while incarcerated. Both suspects had been federal prison cellmates in Terre Haute and the shooter was on parole for involuntary manslaughter and free on bond for a controlled substance charge at the time of the incident.

   Deputy Sheriff Morris, from Indianapolis, had previously served with the Cumberland Police Department as a deputy marshal. He was single and survived by his parents, brother and sister.

The responsibilities of the Marion County Sheriff's Department – Law Enforcement Division (1822–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.