A 17-year-old is facing a stack of allegations after police say a brief but chaotic foot chase on Indianapolis' east side ended with a stolen handgun on the ground and more weapons found back at his home.
Investigators said officers tried to stop a group of teens last Monday near 38th Street and Mitthoefer Avenue. Instead of pulling over, the juveniles ran, touching off a pursuit that ended with two teens detained and one of them booked into juvenile detention, according to police. A loaded handgun recovered at the scene was later confirmed to be stolen, and detectives followed up with a search that turned up additional firearms and ammunition.
As reported by FOX59, the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force was in the area assisting when officers moved in near 38th and Mitthoefer. One 17-year-old was arrested with the loaded, stolen gun and now faces preliminary counts of dangerous possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest causing injury. A second 17-year-old was cited for misdemeanor resisting law enforcement.
Task Force Steps Up Illegal Gun Crackdown
The Indiana Crime Guns Task Force has been running focused operations across Indianapolis to pull illegal weapons off the street. WRTV recently detailed several of those raids, which have turned up handguns modified with conversion devices and other illegally possessed firearms. Officials say the broader effort is aimed at cutting into the flow of guns that often end up tied to violent crimes.
Teal Glock, Revolver Among Weapons Seized at Home
According to FOX59, detectives armed with a search warrant later hit the 17-year-old's residence. Inside, they reported finding a teal Glock 19 that appears to have an extended magazine, an RG31 .38-special revolver, an M1911-style handgun, extra magazines, ammunition and a small amount of narcotics. Photos published by investigators show the teal pistol in evidence custody and the other weapons laid out side by side. Police say the haul is now part of an open investigation into how the guns were obtained and whether they are linked to other crimes.
Juvenile Case With Potential Adult Court Turn
Because the primary suspect is a minor, the case starts in juvenile court under Indiana law. Prosecutors can seek a waiver to move a juvenile into adult court in certain situations, typically when the allegations involve more serious felonies. The National Conference of State Legislatures outlines how states, including Indiana, allow those transfers under specific criteria. A review of past Indiana court decisions shows the legal paths available to judges and prosecutors when weighing such moves, and those rulings help shape how Marion County handles high severity juvenile cases.
What Comes Next in the East Side Gun Case
Marion County prosecutors will decide whether to pursue formal charges in juvenile court or ask a judge to waive the 17-year-old into adult court. While those decisions are pending, juvenile case filings are typically sealed from public view.
Police say the investigation remains active as detectives continue tracing the origin of the seized guns and ammunition. Hoodline and other local outlets have reported similar task force sweeps in recent months, highlighting the city's ongoing push to clear stolen and illegally modified firearms from Indianapolis neighborhoods.
