IMPD subdues armed man waving Free Haiti flag on closed Monument Circle

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Police on Friday afternoon subdued an armed protestor on Monument Circle and took him into custody after closing down the area around the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department just before 3:55 p.m. Friday was sent to a report of a person armed with a weapon on Monument Circle. IMPD says the person had been reported as shooting a weapon into the air. Officers found the man in the road, armed with a handgun, and loudly yelling while waving a flag.

At 4:05 p.m., IMPD sent a tweet alerting people to avoid Monument Circle. Traffic barriers were set up as officers helped people avoid the area.

Video posted online showed an armed man with a Video posted online showed an armed man with a flag that appeared to read "Free Haiti." Police were surrounding the man.

About 4:15 p.m. Friday, online video showed police fire bean bags at the man in front of a chocolate shop.

An IMPD news release sent about 5:50 p.m. Friday said, "Officers continuously gave the armed male loud, verbal commands in an attempt to deescalate the situation. Utilizing at least one less-lethal launcher, officers were able to disarm the male and take him into custody without further issue.

"A firearm and multiple shell casings were recovered on-scene and collected as evidence. The adult male suspect was arrested on the preliminary charges of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon and pointing a loaded firearm. flag that appeared to read "Free Haiti." Police were surrounding the man.