INDIANAPOLIS — The 16-year-old who authorities believe is responsible for a shooting and injuring three people near Monument Circle on Monday is facing felony charges and will be tried as an adult.
The 16-year-old suspect appeared in court on Thursday.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire near the intersection of S. Meridian St. and W. Washington St just after 2 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers found three victims with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
Fortunately, all three individuals were reported to be in stable condition and received medical care.
The violent incident occurred just hours after the Indiana Pacers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, a game that had drawn thousands of fans to downtown watch parties.
IMPD Aggravated Assault Detectives arrested a 16-year-old male for his alleged involvement. The juvenile was preliminarily charged with unlawful carrying of a handgun by a minor. A firearm was also recovered at the scene.
Court documents obtained by WRTV included a surveillance photo taken early Monday morning. It shows the shooter aiming the firearm.
Court documents include another photo taken from the officer's body cam footage. The officer is holding a photo of the suspect as the suspect is walking toward the officer.
A pretrial conference is scheduled for August 21.
President of the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, Rick Snyder, released a statement addressing youth violence, demanding accountability from the criminal justice system in the city:
“The time has come for residents and business owners within our downtown sporting, tourism, and economic hub to call for Indianapolis political leaders to demand our Marion County prosecutor and adult/juvenile courts hold criminal offenders accountable.
Escalating violence, illegal gun possession, and juvenile crime continues to threaten life safety, property preservation, and overall safety for Indiana’s Capital city.
In the past two weeks the Circle City has experienced: hundreds of shots fired, a triple shooting near the circle, a triple shooting on the canal, and property damaged including windows shot out all of which is compounded by juveniles bussing into downtown via public transportation late at night (many of which are illegally armed).
Recent large scale events such as multiple protests, the NBA finals - national championship, and upcoming conferences/expos raise concerns moving forward. Adult and juvenile offenders consistently demonstrate their lack of concern for accountability for such behavior
Now is the time to act, otherwise we fear a perfect storm over the horizon.
Indianapolis police officers are calling for backup from a criminal justice system that ensures accountability."
