IMPD Officer Arrested for Alleged Stalking
The officer was accused of using surveillance technology to monitor a woman for months.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department arrested 45-year-old officer Jonathan Schultz following allegations that he used the department's Flock camera system to stalk a woman. An internal audit led the department to suspend the officer and recommend his termination.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding the potential misuse of law enforcement surveillance tools by personnel. The police department has taken formal steps to revoke the officer's credentials as the legal process moves forward.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has stripped Jonathan Schultz of his police powers and restricted his access to department systems. Chief Tanya Terry has formally recommended his termination to the Merit Board, pending further investigation.
The players
Jonathan Schultz
He is a 45-year-old Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer who was arrested for alleged stalking.
Tanya Terry
She is the Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department who recommended the officer's termination.
Ryan Mears
He is the Marion County Prosecutor who is slated to announce further details regarding the case.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
The law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Indianapolis and conducting the internal audit.
The details
The officer allegedly utilized the Flock system, designed to track license plate data on public roads, to monitor the movements of a woman who reported being followed for months. An internal investigation identified the irregular system use, prompting the department to take immediate disciplinary action.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The officer was arrested and the case surfaced.
September 23, 2026: Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears is scheduled to provide a 2 p.m. update.
Legal Context
The incident mirrors growing national scrutiny regarding the oversight of automated surveillance technologies used by local law enforcement. This case follows a pattern set by concerns over the Flock Safety automated license plate reader data privacy policies regarding the misuse of public surveillance data.
Residents may see increased scrutiny regarding how department-issued technology is audited and managed by city officials. The move to strip the officer of his police powers is intended to maintain public safety and accountability.
The takeaway
The use of automated surveillance systems remains a critical issue for departmental oversight in modern policing. Authorities continue to monitor how these technologies are accessed to ensure they align with legal standards and protect individual privacy.
What happens next
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears will hold a news conference on September 23, 2026, at 2 p.m. to discuss the details of the case.
Further reading
Learn more about local oversight in Law Enforcement.
