Hundreds Attend Vigil For Wounded Officer

INDIANAPOLIS -- Hundreds of people gathered Saturday to offer prayers for an Indianapolis police officer shot in the line of duty.

The family of Officer Jason Fishburn, 29, told 6News Saturday they believe those prayers are being answered. They said Fishburn is now showing sign of some body movement.

Fishburn has been in a medically induced coma at Wishard Hospital since undergoing brain surgery late Thursday night after he was shot twice -- once in the head -- while attempting to apprehend a murder suspect.

His family told 6News he could be taken out of the coma as early as Sunday.

Meanwhile, hundreds of fellow police officers, lawmakers and community members -- along with Fishburn’s family -- gathered for a vigil across the street from the hospital Saturday, 6News' Cheryl Jackson reported.

“I know that everybody -- and I see it all over the city -- everybody is thinking of Officer Fishburn,” Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard told the crowd. “So many people are saying prayers.”

Many of those in attendance were officers who work with Fishburn.

“It’s an emotional thing for everyone,” said IMPD Officer David Miller. “It’s nice to see other people from the community come out too, but especially for the officers.”

Many of Fishburn’s fellow officers also gave blood at a special drive Saturday morning. Officials said the blood will be on hand if Fishburn needs more surgery. If not, it will be used to help others in need.

“This gives us a good opportunity to show our support for Jason and his family and to help other people at the same time,” said IMPD spokesman Sgt. Paul Thompson, who donated blood Saturday morning.

A fund has also been established for Fishburn and his family at the Professional Police Officer's Credit Union at 1502 E. Washington St.

Police said Fishburn was working with the IMPD narcotics unit and serving a warrant for the arrest of Brian Reese, 36, in the 1400 block of Bosart Avenue Thursday evening.

Reese -- who police said was wanted in one of the city's recent homicides -- fled the scene in a van driven by his mother, according to the police report. He bailed out in a parking lot near the Linwood Square Shopping Center and a foot chase began, police said.

During the chase, police said, Reese pulled out a handgun and fired at officers, wounding Fishburn twice -- once in the chest and once in the head.

Officers fired back, hitting Reese in the shoulder.

Both Reese and Fishburn were transported to Wishard Hospital.

Reese's mother -- Barbara Reese -- was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice fleeing law enforcement. She said her son had told her he was on the run, according to the police report.

Brian Reese is a suspect in a killing that happened earlier this week.

Clifford Haddix, 69, was found shot to death in his home in the 3000 block of Newton Avenue Sunday night.

Brian Reese has an extensive criminal history, according to police records, including arrests for resisting law enforcement, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of marijuana and theft.

He was released from Wishard Hospital, and was transported to the Marion County Jail.

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