INDIANAPOLIS — Two people are dead following a shooting on Thursday on Indianapolis' east side that initially came in as a fire call. Two children were found in the home alongside the victims.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to what was initially reported as a fire on the 3700 block of Audubon Road at approximately 10:20 a.m. When the Indianapolis Fire Department arrived on scene, they discovered two victims with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds and two young children in the house.
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A man was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman was transported to an area hospital in critical condition but later died from her injuries.
"Anytime you lose a loved one, it's hard, but this is one of those days that should be so full of joy," said IMPD officer Tommy Thompson. "No family on these holidays should be going through what this family is going through right now."
The Department of Child Services was called to care for the two children found in the home.
"I can't imagine being these two little kids going through this. This is going to be horrible for them for the rest of their lives," Thompson said. "I hope that everyone out there is thinking about this family, sending prayers and thoughts to them, and reaching out if they know them. It's going to be a really tough time this holiday season."
WATCH | IMPD's Tommy Thompson reveals details on the investigation
In a later update, IMPD noted a police pursuit in Whitestown later in the day, which may have a connection to the homicide. Whitestown officers pursued a person into Tippecanoe County and subsequently arrested them.
According to the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department, officers, along with officers from the Lebanon Police Department, responded to reports of a reckless driver on I-65 involving a white Dodge Charger. The pursuit began when the driver fled an attempted traffic stop.
Indiana State Police deployed tire deflation devices near mile marker 168 to disable the car's tires. The suspect crashed the car in an attempt to flee.
Officials said the driver refused to exit the car, prompting arresting officers to extract the suspect from the car. The suspect was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries sustained from the crash. His condition is unknown.
IMPD is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police have not released information about the victims' identities or their relationship to one another.
Indianapolis Fire Department is investigating the fire, which has been classified as an act of arson.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact IMPD or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
