Officer Dejoure Mercer Returns to Duty With a Smile After Fatal Shooting of Dreasjon Reed, as Federal Judge Dismisses IMPD From Wrongful Death Lawsuit

 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer Dejoure Mercer has returned to his position on the force following the fatal shooting of Dreasjon Reed, with images of a smiling Mercer back on the job drawing public attention and renewed outrage.

On the legal front, a federal judge has removed IMPD from the wrongful death lawsuit filed in connection with Reed's death, ruling that the department does not qualify as a suable entity in this particular case.

The incident dates back to May 6, when Reed was shot during a police pursuit on Indianapolis' north side. According to IMPD reports, after Reed pulled over behind a business, he allegedly attempted to flee on foot, prompting officer Mercer to deploy a taser. Authorities allege that after being struck by the taser, Reed discharged a firearm, after which Mercer returned fire, hitting Reed multiple times.

The incident gained widespread attention because Reed had been streaming live on Facebook throughout the chase. The stream remained active as he exited his vehicle near 62nd Street and Michigan Road, and audible gunshots could be heard during the broadcast, though the footage did not visually capture the shooting itself.

Reed's family has contested the official narrative, arguing that available evidence suggests Reed did not point a weapon at officers, though that evidence has not been publicly disclosed. The lawsuit further noted that video footage showed Reed exiting his vehicle behind ACE Lock & Key carrying a white T-shirt in one hand and two cell phones in the other.