Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Joseph Rudolph Stiger
Age : 34
Gender : Male
Race : Black
Date : 07/31/2023
Location : 3400 block of E 10th St
City : Indianapolis
County : Marion
State : Indiana
Agency : Indianapolis IMPD
Officer(s) :Mark Brown
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Bicyclist killed by patrol car
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 07/31/2023, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Mark Brown was responding with emergency lights and siren to a reported home invasion when his patrol vehicle struck 34-year-old bicyclist Joseph Rudolph Stiger in the 3400 block of East 10th Street. According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Brown swerved onto the sidewalk to avoid a vehicle that turned into his path. Both Brown and Stiger attempted to avoid each other, but the patrol vehicle struck Stiger head-on. Stiger was transported to Eskenazi Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Brown sustained minor injuries.
Stiger was a father of two. Family members described him as someone who loved to dance, joke with family, and was devoted to his children. His death prompted renewed scrutiny of emergency driving practices by Indianapolis police.
In June 2025, Stiger's estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Indianapolis and Officer Mark Brown. The complaint alleges Brown was driving too fast for conditions and negligently left the roadway by driving onto the sidewalk, while also alleging inadequate training and supervision by the city.
