INDIANAPOLIS — A viral video capturing a heated encounter between Devin Hunt and Indianapolis police has sparked public debate and launched an internal investigation into the officers’ actions.
The incident shows IMPD officers confronting Hunt, firing pepper balls at him, and punching him while trying to take him into custody. Hunt, 25, now bears visible injuries — including four welts from pepper balls and a cut on his lip from being slammed to the ground.
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What Happened?
The video begins with a verbal confrontation between Hunt and an IMPD officer. The officer pushes Hunt, who responds by brushing the officer’s arm aside. In seconds, the officer opens fire with a pepper ball launcher, striking Hunt multiple times before attempting to tackle him. A second officer joins in and is seen punching Hunt in the torso while he’s on the ground.
“They hit me with them, grabbed me,” Hunt said, pointing to the welts on his chest. He says his face was shoved into the concrete, splitting his lip.
Hunt Responds: ‘I Want Their Badges’
Hunt says the situation escalated unnecessarily and that officers used excessive force.
“That’s why I say I want their badges, because I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” he said.
He confirmed being involved in a verbal confrontation with another man in a gathering crowd, but insists it was not physical.
IMPD’s Take
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said the incident is under investigation by the department’s Internal Affairs Division. He emphasized that the pepper ball launcher is a “less lethal” tool used only by specially trained officers in crowd control situations.
“There’s a lot we still don’t know at this point,” Bailey said, adding that bodycam footage and area surveillance are being reviewed.
In its official statement, IMPD claimed Hunt had a gun and that officers were responding to a physical altercation. Hunt acknowledged that he was legally carrying a firearm, but says he never reached for it and was careful not to endanger anyone.
“He swung me around and didn’t know I had a firearm on me,” Hunt explained. “That firearm has a safety mechanism… thank God it didn’t go off.”
No Charges — For Now
Hunt is not currently facing any charges, but the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has asked IMPD to continue its investigation to determine if any are warranted. Chief Bailey hopes Hunt will cooperate and provide a full statement to investigators.
What’s Next?
As of now, the officers involved remain on active duty while the internal investigation continues. Bailey stressed that policy, training, and state laws governing use of force will all be considered in evaluating their actions.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about police use of force and public accountability, especially in crowded, high-stress environments.
