Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Tuesday, August 23, 1988
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: 463
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 14, 1988
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 7 years
Officer Matt Faber succumbed to gunshot wounds suffered nine days earlier after being hit by a shotgun blast in the back while responding to an animal complaint in the 2900 block of Arthington Boulevard.
After speaking with the complainant, Officer Faber went across the street to speak with the dog owner. The subject began to struggle with Officer Faber and then ran into his house. When backup officers arrived they attempted to enter the house to arrest the man. The man attempted to block the door and then retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun as the officers entered. Upon seeing the armed subject, the officers attempted to retreat from the home but the man opened fire, striking Officer Faber in the back.
The subject was shot and wounded by return fire. He was subsequently charged with murder, but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to only seven years in prison.
Officer Faber had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for just over one year. He was survived by his wife, who also served with the Indianapolis Police Department.