In the late summer of 1988, a neighborhood dispute over loose dogs in Indianapolis would tragically escalate, leading to the death of a young police officer. On the evening of August 14th, Officer Matt John Faber, a 24-year-old male who had been with the Indianapolis Police Department for just over a year, responded to a complaint in the 2900 block of Arthington Boulevard. The call concerned two dogs running loose and chasing children.
After speaking with the individual who made the complaint, Officer Faber approached the home of the dog owner, 44-year-old Fred Sanders, a local parochial school teacher.
A verbal confrontation between Officer Faber and Sanders quickly turned into a physical struggle. Sanders then retreated into his house, blocking the door. When backup officers arrived to assist, they attempted to enter the residence to arrest Sanders. As the officers were trying to make their way in, Sanders retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun from a back bedroom and opened fire. A blast struck Officer Faber in the upper back at close range; he was not wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
Officer Faber was critically wounded and rushed to Wishard Memorial Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries nine days later, on August 23, 1988. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, officers at the scene returned fire, wounding Sanders and taking him into custody.
Initially, Fred Sanders was charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter, with the prosecution seeking the death penalty. However, the case became more complex due to allegations of police misconduct during Sanders' arrest, with claims that he was beaten by several officers. This led to a plea agreement where Sanders pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and was ultimately discharged in 1994. The case sparked considerable public debate and led to a reexamination of policies concerning the investigation of civilian complaints against the Indianapolis Police Department. Two officers were indicted for the beating of Sanders, with one being convicted.
