A Tuesday rideshare trip on Indianapolis' northeast side ended in a police chase and an arrest after a 17-year-old passenger allegedly pulled a gun on the driver near North Sherman Drive and East 38th Street, authorities say.
According to WIBC 93.1 FM, IMPD investigators say the teen pointed a handgun at the driver, told him "I will shoot you if you move," and ordered him to drive to an ATM while transferring money from the driver's phone into accounts the suspect controlled.
An officer reportedly noticed the SUV drifting and lightly bump the back of his patrol car. WIBC 93.1 FM reports the driver then pointed toward the passenger seat to signal trouble. Before officers could reach the vehicle, police say the teen jumped out and ran, tossing a backpack as he fled.
IMPD says the officer caught up to the suspect as he tried to climb a barbed-wire fence. The 17-year-old was taken into custody and booked on preliminary charges of armed robbery and resisting law enforcement.
Teen Rideshare Ripoffs Putting Drivers On Edge
The arrest comes amid a recent run of robberies and carjackings targeting rideshare drivers across Indianapolis, some of which police say involve juvenile suspects.
In a separate case, WRTV reported that a 16-year-old was arrested after allegedly carjacking and robbing a rideshare driver on the city's north side. Investigators have described a pattern of similar incidents they are tracking across the city.
What Happens Next In Court
The 17-year-old now faces preliminary counts of armed robbery and resisting law enforcement, according to WIBC 93.1 FM.
Under Indiana law, prosecutors and juvenile courts have several tools to decide whether serious allegations involving minors stay in juvenile court or move into adult criminal court. Factors can include the defendant's age and the nature of the offense, and state courts have grappled with those transfer and waiver rules in recent appeals. FindLaw summarizes key precedent on how Indiana courts interpret those standards.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and ask anyone with information to contact IMPD. This story will be updated as additional details and official records become available.
