Officer John Sullivan was shot and killed as he returned home from work and interrupted a man who had burglarized his house and was attacking his wife.

   He was still in uniform and ordered the man to come out of the bedroom but the subject shot through the door, striking Officer Sullivan above the heart. He was able to return fire and wound the suspect before he fled the scene.

   Officer Sullivan was taken to General Hospital where he died.

   A 17-year-old suspect was apprehended a short distance away and was charged with first-degree murder in a death penalty case. In a change of venue to Shelby County, he was later convicted, sentenced to life in prison and paroled in 1978.

   Officer Sullivan was survived by his expectant wife and two young daughters.

The responsibilities of the Indianapolis Police Department (1854–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.