Veteran to replace former Fishers police chief who was arrested for drunken driving

Vic Ryckaert | IndyStar

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness appointed 18-year veteran Ed Gebhart as the city's new police chief, the city announced Friday.

Gebhart, the assistant chief since 2016, replaces Mitch Thompson, who lost that job after he was arrested on charges of drunken driving.

“During his nearly two decades with the city, Assistant Chief Gebhart has demonstrated thoughtful, proactive leadership and adaptability,” Fadness said in a news release.

Gebhart joined the department in 2000 and has worked on the SWAT team, as a field training officer and as a patrol commander. As assistant chief, he helped the city develop the Fishers Crimewatch App.

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"Gebhart has demonstrated the resident-centered approach and entrepreneurial thinking that we pride ourselves on as a city," Fadness said.

The news release did not mention the former chief's arrest, but Gebhart vowed to maintain the department's integrity.

“Our department will fundamentally hold the safety and security of our city, the future of our children, and the honor of our officers to the highest standards," Gebhart said in a statement.

Gebhart appointed Capt. Luke Gannon to replace him as assistant chief. Gebhart and Gannon will be sworn in on Sept. 7.

Indianapolis police arrested Thompson on July 28 after a three-car accident near Keystone Avenue and 96th Street.

According to a summary report released by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Thompson rear-ended a car, which then hit a third vehicle.

The report said a preliminary test showed Thompson's blood-alcohol level was at 0.126 percent. In Indiana, the legal limit for driving is 0.08 percent.

Thompson was charged with misdemeanor operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He is scheduled to appear in Marion Superior Court for a hearing on Oct. 16, records show.

Call IndyStar reporter Vic Ryckaert at 317-444-2701. Follow him on Twitter: @VicRyc.