GREENWOOD — Families enjoyed burgers, music and a bounce house in a downtown Greenwood park Tuesday to celebrate a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community during the annual National Night Out.
The big community picnic was held at the Greenwood Amphitheater just two miles south of the Greenwood Park Mall food court, where two weeks ago a gunman killed three and wounded two others in a 15-second hail of rifle rounds.
The gunfire ended when an armed bystander took aim with a handgun and shot the shooter to death.
"We have a great officers," Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers said. "I’m extremely proud of them and I’m proud of the public for coming out and showing so much support tonight."
National Night Out launched more than 4 decades ago and is celebrated by millions in cities and towns across the country on the first Tuesday in August. Organizers say the goal is to build better relationships between police and the public.
Officials in Greenwood say this event is an important way to show gratitude to the community.
"They support us year-round. This is our way of giving back in a festival-like atmosphere," Greenwood Police Chief James Ison said.
"Our community is so fantastic year round. When we have an incident like we did at the mall, they really come out and support us."
More: Mass shooting at Greenwood Park Mall leaves multiple dead, injured | Local lawmakers, leaders react to Greenwood Park Mall shooting | What we know about the mass shooting at Greenwood Park Mall
Contact WRTV reporter Vic Ryckaert at victor.ryckaert@wrtv.com or on Twitter: @vicryc.
-
'Never say never': Experts weigh in on Bears' potential Indiana move
Sports experts say the Bears are playing a leverage game, but Indiana's aggressive courtship could make a relocation a reality.
Westfield leaders ushering in growth with Park Street reimagining
Westfield city leaders have unveiled plans to transform a key commercial downtown corridor on Park Street.
Third grader inspired by MLK wants to 'make a change to the world'
A third-grade student at Vision Academy at Riverside says learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has inspired her to think about how she can change the world when she grows up.
Funeral services announced for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott
Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott died in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call Monday night. He is being remembered by his community as a hometown hero.
