IMPD officer gets gun away from drug suspect during traffic stop

An IMPD officer acted quickly to get a gun away from a man in his custody during a traffic stop Saturday night.

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - An IMPD officer acted quickly to get a gun away from a man in his custody during a traffic stop Saturday night.

Police say Officer C. Portell stopped a Chevy Trailblazer that had a license plate light out on East Washington Street near Southeastern Avenue around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. The officer smelled the odor of raw marijuana coming from the vehicle as he approached and asked the driver, 29-year-old Dajuan Morris, to step out of the vehicle.

As Portell placed handcuffs on Morris, the suspect turned away from the officer, who was eventually able to push Morris against the vehicle. Police say at that time, Portell said he noticed Morris was holding a revolver, pointing at the officer.

The officer reacted and got the gun away from Morris as additional officers arrived at the scene and helped control Morris.

Officer searching the vehicle found suspected marijuana, heroin, the revolver and more than $600 in cash. Morris was arrested and is facing preliminary charges of dealing narcotics while in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, possession of narcotics with a firearm, carrying a handgun without a license with a prior felony conviction, pointing a firearm, possession of marijuana, and driving while suspended – prior.

The Marion County Prosecutor's Office will determine final charges against Morris. If you have information that could help the investigation, call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.

Metro police issued the following statement in their release about the incident:

"This is another testament of the professionalism and courage IMPD officers represent while serving their community. All across the city, IMPD officers answer 911 calls, conduct proactive patrols, and expose themselves to danger, that places them in harm’s way. When faced with situations where our life is at risk, we continue to put our uniform on and mark on-duty, regardless of the situation. The Oath we take is serious, and one that unites us and our community. The IMPD is grateful for the community’s ongoing support and efforts you continuously show that make Indianapolis a safe place to live, work, and play!"