Roll of Honor
Incident
Lieutenant Robert Atwell was shot during an exchange of gunfire with an armed suspect during a disturbance at a trailer in the Pondarosa Mobile Home Court. A woman who lived at the trailer called the police at 11:55 pm to complain that her estranged husband had threatened her and their 4-year-old daughter. They had been separated for about six months prior to the incident, and her husband had been under psychiatric care and had peace bonds and restraining orders against him. Hearing his brother, Corporal Charles Atwell, receive the call to the trailer home, Lieutenant Atwell went in on the run to assist him. Arriving first, Lieutenant Atwell exited his car. He got only a few feet when he heard shots from the vicinity of the trailer. Before he could take cover, he was struck on the side of the forehead by one of the slugs. Seconds later, IPD officers David Cress and Stephen Keers pulled up. They had both just gone off duty when they heard the call. The windshield of Officer Keers’ car was riddled with shotgun pellets, some of which struck Officer Keers, who was wounded slightly. Within moments, other police and sheriff's cars arrived and engaged the suspect in a gun battle. Lieutenant Atwell was moved from the line of fire and transported by ambulance to a hospital, where he died shortly after noon on Tuesday, November 7. The suspect died at the scene from what was believed to be a self-inflicted injury. Lieutenant Atwell was a United States Army Korean War veteran and had served with the Marion County Sheriff's Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-IN-9E254425- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Lieutenant Atwell gave the Marion County Sheriff's Office 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Indianapolis community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert C. Atwell served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Lieutenant Robert C. Atwell is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Marion County Sheriff's Dept., 9 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert C. Atwell's cause is highlighted.
How Robert C. Atwell Compares
Offender Outcome
Died at the scene
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert C. Atwell is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert C. Atwell was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Marion County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
