INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — Seven people, including three juveniles, were arrested by Indianapolis police following a series of shootings across multiple neighborhoods on the southeast side.
Officers executed search warrants at four locations Thursday morning as part of the “lengthy investigation,” including a home in the Maple Glen housing subdivision.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department shared in a follow-up Friday morning that detectives believed the shootings involved the same group of people.
Outside of the seven arrests, IMPD, Indiana State Police, and Johnson County SWAT seized 9 firearms, including two AR-style pistols, a machine gun switch device, and marijuana products.
“These are weapons that were potentially were used in crimes that have now been taken off the street as evidence, along with those arrests being made. We are proud of our detectives who were able to make these things happen. Several of these investigations are still going but this a meaningful step towards that,” said IMPD public information officer Drew Brown.
A broken window was visible at one of the homes searched during the operation. Police reported no injuries while the raids took place.
While police say there’s not an immediate threat to the public, people who live in the neighborhood are worried the people arrested could still come back. Neighbors want them prosecuted to the fullest extent.
“It’s time to crack down on this. It should’ve happened in the very beginning; they let it get this bad, and now they’re spraying neighborhoods with automatic weapons, AK-47s. We’ve got things going on, and if somebody gets killed, the blood is going to be on that prosecutor’s hands and the judge’s hands,” said a neighbor.
Steve McKinney, whose home was hit by a stray bullet during one of the shootings, says it’s a reminder of how important building connections with your neighbors is.
“They may start back up again somewhere else, but it won’t be in these same four houses. Right now, I feel pretty safe, because like I said, we all talk around and every time we see someone standing out, we talk to them and let them know what’s going on,” said McKinney.
Investigators have been called to the area multiple times during June to look into shots-fired incidents.
The gun violence is not limited to Maple Glen — similar incidents have been reported in other southeast side neighborhoods, raising broader public safety concerns across the area. The shootings prompted a neighborhood peace walk as residents look to address the ongoing violence.
Police have not released the names of those arrested, but say the suspects face various gun and drug charges.
The investigation is ongoing.
IMPD asks anyone with information on these drive-by shootings to contact IMPD Southeast District at 317-327-6300.
Crime Resources
- Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana: 317-262-8477
- P3tips app | Apple devices | Google Play
