INDIANAPOLIS – Ten people were injured in separate shootings Saturday night as thousands were gathered downtown for the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration .
Trouble began around 9:30 p.m. when the first shots rang out on Maryland Street between Meridian and Illinois Streets. According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Lt. Jeff Duhammel, five people were found shot at that location and two others were found in another location, after running from the scene.
Then just before midnight, IMPD officers responded to another shooting, bringing the total of injured to nine.
Eight victims were transported to Wishard and Methodist Hospitals, the ninth was taken to Riley Childrens Hospital. Two were seriously injured, but none were thought to have life-threatening injuries. A tenth person was treated and released at the scene. All of the victims were boys between the ages of 10 and 18. All are reported to be in good condition.
Police quickly sealed off several blocks downtown including Maryland Street while crime scene officers collected evidence.
Lt. Duhamell said officers did stop one vehicle with three men inside for questioning. Officers confiscated a handgun and assault riffle and arrested one person on an outstanding warrant, but the group was not believed to be involved in the shootings.
As the night progressed, there was a report of an explosion on West Washington near Illinois St. After officers were quick to respond to the scene, but it was determined that fireworks were being set off.
Police also broke up several small fights and arrested those who were involved. Over 300 police officers from IMPD were patrolling downtown streets Saturday night. The Indianapolis Office of Homeland Security was also monitoring the events from their command center.
Police are asking any member of the public who may have any information on Saturday night's shootings are asked to call Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.
