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Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Sunday, August 14, 1988
09:30 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
9 days
Incident Location:
2961 Arthington Boulevard, Indianapolis
Incident County:
Marion
Incident Township:
Center
Weapon Used:
12-gauge shotgun
Suspect Disposition:
Discharged in 1994

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Indianapolis Police Department

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Officer Matt John Faber

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Officer
Matt John Faber
Indianapolis Police Department
Tuesday, August 23, 1988

Panel 46W, Line 9
Panel L8, Line 7

   Officer Matt Faber died from shotgun wounds suffered nine days earlier after he responded to a neighborhood animal complaint.

   He had spoken to the complainant and walked across the street to advise the subject about his two dogs running loose and chasing children. A verbal confrontation then became physical and the man retreated inside his home, blocking the door.

   When assisting officers arrived, they entered the residence and as they were about to exit, the suspect produced a shotgun he had in a back bedroom.

   Officer Faber, who was not wearing a bullet-resistant vest at the time, was struck with a blast in his upper back at close range. He was transported to Wishard Memorial Hospital where he died from his wounds nine days later.

   The 44-year-old suspect was shot and wounded before being taken into custody. He was originally charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter in a death penalty case.

   He later pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in a plea agreement due to police misconduct occurring during his arrest. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and was discharged in 1994.

   Officer Faber was survived by his wife, who serves as an officer with the department, and father. In December 2011, a memorial was dedicated by his wife at the North District headquarters at 3120 East 30th Street where her husband had been assigned.


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

Personal Details

Age: 24
Law Enforcement Service:
1 year, 2 months
Badge #: 463
Burial Place:
West Ridge Park Cemetery, Indianapolis