Indianapolis News and Headlines

Actions

Police find, arrest woman accused of punching officer after stealing alcohol from Kroger

Posted at 4:55 AM, Aug 31, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-01 12:38:47-04

Editor's note: Police initially released the incorrect photo of the suspect. The updated photo is above.

INDIANAPOLIS -- A woman stole alcohol from a north side Kroger, then punched an officer in the face early Wednesday morning, police say.

The incident began around 2 a.m., Wednesday, at the Kroger at 1365 E. 86th St.

Police say the on-duty IMPD officer saw the woman, 45-year-old Juanita Scanlan, stealing alcohol from the store, followed her out and confronted her.

That's when she punched the officer in the face, then got into a car with a man and took off, police say.

The officer had an injury to his lip, as well as injuries to his hands, knuckles and forearm from the confrontation.

Police found the car upside-down in the woods near 77th Street and Westfield Boulevard. The vehicle had hit a utility pole and was catching fire.

Rescue crews freed the man inside. The man, 28-year-old Joshua Draper, was taken to a hospital in critical condition. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant from Marion County for possession and dealing cocaine, resisting law enforcement and possession of marijuana.

Police found Scanlan Wednesday afternoon in the 1700 block of E. 77th Street.

She was found inside an uninvolved vehicle, and taken into custody.

Scanlan faces charges of resisting law enforcement, theft and unauthorized entry of a vehicle.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477. You can also text “INDYCS” plus your tip to 274637. Your tip can be reported anonymously.