Indy woman accused of hit-and-run that left man with severe brain injuries

INDIANAPOLIS - An Indianapolis woman has been arrested and charged in connection to a hit-and-run on the city's east side that left a man with permanent, possibly life-threatening injuries.




At the same time, leaders of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department insist that investigators are working hard to keep the streets safe.




Riding a motor scooter at the intersection of Michigan and Denny Streets in June 2024, a 32-year-old man was hit by an SUV in the middle of the night. The victim suffered fractures to his leg, pelvis and skull, leaving him with brain bleeding and unable to care for himself.




The victim's family said he suffered traumatic brain injuries, and his condition has not improved since he was hit. While the victim may never recover, his family is relieved that the driver who allegedly fled the scene has finally been arrested.




Police used license plate readers in the area to help track down the Nissan that witnesses say sped away from the crash.




As a result, 50-year-old Shalaunda Harris was charged with leaving the scene of the accident in January, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. That warrant was finally served this week, more than a year after the crash.

"We want our community to know we're out there doing the best that we can, despite the staffing challenges that we have," said IMPD Assistant Chief Michael Wolley.




In fact, while IMPD is operating with a shortage of nearly 300 officers, so far this year the department has made 15,941 traffic stops, issued 7,944 traffic citations, handed out 2,582 warnings and responded to 9,987 accident reports.




"We're trying to be as proactive as possible," said Wolley.

IMPD also reports that while citizen-generated calls for service are down in 2025 compared to 2024, officer-initiated runs have increased.




Assistant Chief Wolley said while officers patrol the streets every day and night to improve public safety for all drivers, police can't do it alone, and they need everyone to be more responsible behind the wheel.




"Our community is sharing the road with other community members," Wolley said. "We need them to drive safely."




As for the case against Harris, the suspect insisted her Nissan was driven by her cousin and she was out of town during the crash. However, cell phone records allegedly place her near the scene at the time of the crime.




Harris was given a $30,000 bond, which she was able to post. She has since been released from jail pending trial.





via: https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/indy-woman-accused-of-hit-and-run-that-left-man-with-severe-brain-injuries/