BEECH GROVE, Ind. (WISH) — A Beech Grove police officer killed in the line of duty Monday night was a beloved officer described as a “shining star” with a passion to serve.

Ofc. Brian Elliott died after being shot during a disturbance call at a Beech Grove apartment complex.

Following the shooting, medics rushed Elliott to Eskenazi Hospital, where he later died. He is survived by his wife, Erin, and his family.

Another officer, who has not been identified, was also shot. They were released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon. A third officer who responded to the scene was unharmed.

The shooting suspect, 47-year-old Kenneth Johnson, was arrested following a several-hour search, which prompted a statewide Blue Alert. Indiana State Police reported a community member found Johnson hiding in a bush a few hundred yards from the shooting scene.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office says formal charges may not be filed until Thursday.

Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice, in an impromptu news conference outside Eskenazi Monday night, said Elliott “left a lasting impression and legacy not only on the department, but the city.”

Brian Elliott seen in aprofessional headshot while serving with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. (Provided Photo/Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

To protect and serve

A graduate of Beech Grove High School, he pursued his career in law enforcement by receiving a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from the former Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis in 2015.

Elliott served as a reserve deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office before eventually joining in 2018.

He worked in the office’s Sex Violent Offender Registry Unit. The department says this position was “highly sought-after” and allowed Elliott to serve the community in a “unique, hands-on way.”

Elliott soon left the sheriff’s office to serve his hometown of Beech Grove, trading the title of “deputy” for “officer” in 2024.

Elliott graduated with honors from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and received the Glenda Mercer Memorial Award for top academic achievement. He also served as an assistant squad leader, representing Beech Grove with “esteem.”

ILEA described Elliott as a “shining star.”

‘One of the good ones’

Elliott married his wife, Erin, in 2023, and was a proud dad to his dog, Ellie.

Described as a sushi-loving bass player, the department says Elliott would jam to Metallica, would rave about the Colts, and loved the films “Jurassic Park” and “Hot Fuzz,” an appropriate choice for an officer.

His enthusiasm for these things translated to how he served his city, an old friend and former coworker on social media describing him as “one of the good ones.”

“He was just a kid, even though he was a grown man. Always had that little brother energy. One of the good ones,” the friend said.

Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal referred to Elliott as “well-respected” and “loved.”

“Many amongst the MCSO ranks were very close friends of Officer Brian Elliott,” he said. “He was well-respected and loved by his peers, and he leaves behind fond memories in the hearts of many.”

Community members flooded the comment sections of numerous law enforcement posts, thanking Elliott for his service and sending love to his family.

Some promised to protect and serve the community, continuing Elliott’s lifelong passion.

“Fly high, big homie! We’ll take it from here!” one commenter said.

Elliott to be moved to Beech Grove funeral home

Indiana State Police Sgt. Perrine said Tuesday afternoon that Elliott’s body will be moved from the Marion County Coroner’s Office to a funeral home in Beech Grove around 11 a.m. Thursday.

The procession route and exact funeral home were not immediately known; Perrine says further information will be released when available.

A squad car memorial for Elliott has been made outside the Beech Grove Police Department.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Elliott’s car was decorated and surrounded by tributes of all varieties: Flowers, stuffed animals, balloons, a Colts jersey, and a statue of a kneeling officer, sitting right at the feet of Elliott’s portrait.

A tribute to Officer Brian Elliott sits outside the Beech Grove, Indiana, Police Department on Feb. 17, 2026. (WISH Photo/Melea VanOstrand)