Indiana State police are still investigating the fatal July 30 shooting of an Elwood Police Dept. officer.
The officer, Noah Shahnavaz, 24, a 2016 Fishers High School graduate, was shot during a traffic stop and died after being taken to a hospital in Indianapolis. The suspected shooter, Carl Roy Webb Boards II, 42, of Anderson, was arrested in Hamilton County after a crash on Interstate 69 near 106th street in Fishers.
Boards was taken to the Hamilton County Jail and faces charges of murder, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, resisting law enforcement and use of a firearm enhancement and habitual offender enhancement, both of which carry an additional penalty, according to Andrew Hanna, chief deputy prosecutor in Madison County said.
Boards has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1999. One such instance happened 16 years ago when he was arrested for firing at Indianapolis police officers after they pulled him over for not using a turn signal. Boards then fired seven times and hit a squad car three times, according to court records.
Boards was then sentenced to a 25-year aggravated sentence after being charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, three counts of resisting law enforcement and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (eight ecstasy pills were found in his pocket upon arrest and he reportedly had taken at least one) and possession of a firearm without a license.
He was released from custody in 2019, according to court records.
Per the events of July 30, according to Indiana State Police, Shahnavaz conducted a traffic stop around 2 a.m. July 30 of a 2012 Buick LaCrosse near the intersection of Ind. 37 and County Road 1100 N. in Madison County. The suspect exited the vehicle and fired multiple rounds, striking Shahnavaz at least once, then fled in his vehicle.
Officers from Elwood Police Dept. and Madison County Sheriff’s Dept. found the officer and gave him aid until medical assistance arrived. He was transported by medical helicopter to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, where he was later pronounced dead.
Hamilton County officers started pursuing the vehicle around 2:30 a.m., heading south on Ind. 37 near I-69. As the vehicle got on I- 69, Fishers Police Dept. officers tried to stop the vehicle twice, the second time causing the Buick to hit the median, according to the Indiana State Police.
Shahnavaz had served Elwood police for 11 months. Before that he had served in the Army for five years. He is survived by his mother, father and siblings.
“Noah proudly wore the Elwood police dept. uniform, serving the citizens of Elwood he was part of our city family,” Elwood Mayor Todd Jones stated. “A senseless act of violence robbed this young man of the life and career he had ahead of him. On behalf of myself, my family and a most grateful city, I’m asking you to keep Noah’s family, friends, Elwood police dept and our city in your thoughts and prayers as we try to navigate through this tragic time.”
Hamilton Southeastern Schools also released a statement Aug. 1.
“Our school community has experienced tremendous loss this year. We are deeply saddened by the death of Elwood police officer Noah Shahnavaz, a 2016 graduate of Fishers High School.
“While a student at Fishers, Noah was involved in marching band, drumline and wrestling. He is remembered for his friendly, easy-going and caring personality and was said to have always gone out of his way to make others feel appreciated. During his time at FHS, Noah expressed an interest in law enforcement, enrolling in a specialized class his senior year.”
“His dream was to serve others and we are proud of what he accomplished in such a short time, both in the military and with Elwood Police,” Fishers High School Principal Jason Urban stated. “The entire FHS Tiger family grieves this tragic loss of such a promising young man full of talent and potential.”
“Noah’s passing is a reminder of the dangers our brave men and women willingly face every day to keep us safe,” HSE Schools Supt. Dr. Yvonne Stokes stated. “We ask that everyone please continue to keep Officer Shahnavaz’s loved ones, friends, colleagues and the entire Elwood Police Department in your hearts.”
Shahnavaz’s mother is an elementary teacher for HSE Schools, according to the school district.
FPD posted condolences on social media, stating, “The Fishers Police Dept. and our community are grieving with the Elwood Police Dept. after the tragic line of duty death of their officer today. We are grateful for the efforts and professionalism by all the officers who were involved in the apprehension of the suspect. Our heart aches as we sent our deepest condolences to the family and all who knew the officer. We stand alongside the officers of the Elwood PD and will be there to support them and the people of the city of Elwood in the days ahead.”
FPD is postponing its Aug. 2 National Night Out event because of Shahnavaz’s death. The event had not been rescheduled as of press time.
On July 30, FPD officers assisted in escorting Shahnavaz’s body back to Madison County on I-69.
