Suspicious incident on Teel Way underscores importance of calling 911

An suspicious incident in Eagle Nest this week serves as a good reminder about the power and importance of calling 911. Immediately, without delay.

About 10 p.m. Monday night (February 22), residents in 7700 block of Teel Way reported two males in black hoodies were spotted lurking around their property. The homeowners dogs began barking, and when the homeowners opened the front door and shouted, the unknown individuals took off running.

The residents alerted Board and staff members, who immediately urged the homeowner to call 911. They did -- and within minutes patrol cars were at the foot of the driveway and patrolling the neighborhood. No was injured, and there were no arrests.

"Not sure what they were up to,'' the homeowner texted, " but (it was) enough to rattle my cage."

Understandable, but the incident underscores the importance of calling 911 first and without delay, crime experts say. Earlier this month, Gerardo Becerra, Crime Watch Coordinator for IMPD's North District, spoke to dozens of Eagle Nest residents at the Clubhouse about crime prevention and safety. In short, he said, "If you see or suspect something, say something. Call 911 immediately. Your action -- or lack thereof -- could protect someone's property or their life."

Becerra passed along the following tips on when to call 911 and how it works:

What is 911?
  • 911 is the number to dial for the fastest possible emergency response when you need immediate help from police, firefighters or medical assistance.
  • Your call is answered by a county operator trained to determine the type of assistance needed.
When to call 911?
  • Call 911 to report criminal or suspicious activity in progress, fires, medical emergencies, gunshots and any life-threatening situations. When in doubt, dial!
911 emergency call examples
  • Robbery, burglary or larceny in progress (i.e. someone breaking into your house or a neighbor's car)
  • Shootings
  • Fires or medical emergencies
  • Traffic injury or crashes
  • Person asking for help
  • Domestic violence or abuse
  • Fights/open displays of weapons
  • Criminal activity
  • Any suspicious activity that doesn't appear to belong in our surroundings
 How you can help
  • Stay calm. Give your name, location and nature of the emergency
  • Answer the 911 dispatcher's questions as accurately as possible.
  • Never hang up on the 911 dispatcher until you are told to do so. They need the open line to ensure you are OK and gather additional information about the ongoing situation.
Information most needed
  • What happened?
  • When and where did it happen (address/intersection/landmark, etc.)?
  • Telephone number of person calling
  • Who is involved
  • Is anyone hurt?
  • Suspect(s) descriptions
  • Vehicle description/license plate number
  • Direction of travel of suspect(s)
  • Were any weapons involved?
Becerra also told residents to never tell a 911 operator that a situation is more serious than it really is to try to get faster service. It is against the last to intentionally give false information to the police.

Questions/want more info?
IMPD -- North District3120 East 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Phone: (317) 327-6100

Non-emergency line: (317) 327-3811
Police say this line should be used for reporting vandalism (not in progress); stolen property (not in progress); loud parties or nuisances. Basically, call the non-emergency line for service that is not a life-or-death situation, and is not in progress.

Submitted by Scott Thien






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