A juvenile was wounded in a Friday night shooting on Indianapolis’ near-southeast side after what police describe as a parking lot fight that turned violent. Officers were called to a residential lot in the 3400 block of Calhoun Street on reports of gunfire, and medics took the victim to a local hospital, where IMPD later said the juvenile was in stable condition.
What police say
According to FOX59, IMPD officers found a juvenile male with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds in the 3400 block of Calhoun Street after the shooting. Investigators told the station the incident appeared to start as a fight in a residential parking lot before the alleged shooter took off.
Police said a 16-year-old male suspect was later tracked down near the scene on Saturday with help from the Beech Grove Police Department.
Witnesses told detectives that several young men were involved in the scuffle near East Raymond Street and Bethel Avenue. IMPD Night Watch Captain Don Weilhammer told FOX59, “it’s the heat in the summer, and you know, I understand people’s tempers are short.” Detectives say they are still sorting through accounts from the scene and have not released the identities of anyone involved while the investigation continues.
Arrest and charges
A public police report lists preliminary charges against the 16-year-old that include battery by means of a deadly weapon, which is a Level 5 felony, dangerous possession of a firearm by a minor, which is a Class A misdemeanor, and battery resulting in injury, also a Class A misdemeanor. Those allegations remain preliminary while prosecutors decide whether to file formal charges.
State law treats dangerous possession of a firearm by a minor as a Class A misdemeanor and raises some weapon-related batteries to felony levels, as outlined in the Indiana code and published by Justia.
How to help
IMPD is asking anyone with information to call the department at (317) 327-3475. Police have not released the names of the victim or the suspect because the case is still an active investigation.
Local context
Youth-involved shootings have surfaced repeatedly in Indianapolis this year, with teenagers often on both sides of the crime tape. Earlier this month, for example, four teens were arrested after a Garfield Park shooting, as reported in Four Indianapolis Teens Arrested. Cases like these continue to test how police and prosecutors balance community safety with juvenile justice rules.
Officials say they will release more information on the Calhoun Street shooting as it becomes available. Anyone with tips is urged to contact IMPD’s tip line at the number above.
