Shortly after 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, gunfire erupted near the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Barn on the city’s west side, prompting a swift response from officers and a lot of nervous looks toward the stables.
Police say the shots were reportedly fired in the direction of the barn, although investigators are still sorting out exactly where they came from and who pulled the trigger. According to a post from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers arriving on scene found evidence of gunfire in the roadway near the facility.
IMPD Says Horses Unhurt, Evidence Recovered
Officers said they located evidence connected to the shooting in the roadway near the barn, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. No suspects were found in the immediate aftermath.
The good news for animal lovers, neighbors and anyone who has ever stopped to snap a photo of the unit’s horses, is that IMPD reported no injuries to its personnel or to any of the horses housed at the facility.
Where It Happened
The gunfire was reported near the Woodard Van Riper IMPD Mounted Patrol Barn at 3325 W. Vermont Street on the city’s west side. The facility includes stables and an indoor riding arena and serves as home base for the department’s mounted officers and their horses, according to Current Publishing.
The barn opened in 2025 and was funded in part by community donors, Current Publishing reported, which helps explain why police say they take any threat near the property very seriously.
Investigators Looking for Witnesses and Video
Detectives are canvassing the surrounding area and reviewing any available surveillance or cellphone footage in an effort to piece together what happened and who was involved, IMPD said.
Anyone who may have seen anything or who might have captured video of the incident is asked to contact IMPD’s Southwest District at 317-327-6400, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Tipsters can also reach out through the department’s public affairs channels.
About the Mounted Unit
IMPD’s mounted unit operates with a relatively small roster of officers and horses, and the Woodard Van Riper barn provides stabling, training and indoor riding space, per Current Publishing. The horses are a familiar sight at large events and community gatherings, where they are used for crowd control and outreach.
Police said the investigation into the reported gunfire is ongoing. No additional details, including any possible charges, were released as of Wednesday evening.
