INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis is seeing an alarming rise in gun violence.
Five people were shot and injured at three different crime scenes early Tuesday morning.
Two people were shot near Boulevard Place and 38th Street on the city's near north side. Two others were shot and injured near 30th Street and Capitol Avenue. Investigators are now trying to determine if those shootings are connected.
Community leaders, like Rev. Dr. Charles Harrison, of the Ten Point Coalition, say it's a troubling trend happening in communities across the city.
"Years ago, the violence was concentrated in about six or seven hot spots in the city. Now, it is so widespread, which makes it more difficult when you have a limited number of resources," Harrison said.
Since Friday evening, IMPD has responded to 17 shootings in which 22 people have been shot.
At a recent public safety and criminal justice committee meeting, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said, "This city needs well over 2,000 officers to properly patrol it in the way and protect it in the way it deserves. We're talking 400 square miles."
IMPD did note an 8% drop in non-fatal shootings and a 12% drop in shooting victims, compared to last year's statistics.
Harrison points out a more pressing issue.
"It's bigger than IMPD. It's bigger than the church community. It's a larger societal issue that we have to address as a society about helping people to better address their conflicts without using violence when sometimes that's glorified. It's glorified sometimes in the music, in the videos that glorifies using violence to deal with your beef," Harrison said.
Harrison said there is another issue community groups are finding.
"There is another world out there beyond the time we're on the streets," Harrison said. "We're seeing a lot of early morning or late night shootings."
Harrison said community groups have to find a way to address this and encourage more people to become peacemakers.
"A lot of times before these conflicts end up in violence, people tend to know that it's about to happen," Harrison said. "People who are involved in the conflict tend to share that they're beefing with someone, and if those individuals would be proactive in trying to talk people down and try to get them to settle the conflict in a non-violent way, then maybe we can lower the temperature in the community and bring down the level of violence."
Anyone with information on the crimes that have occurred is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477. You can remain anonymous.
Statement from IMPD
"The IMPD shares the community’s frustration and disappointment over the recent violence affecting our neighborhoods. Far too often, the presence of firearms escalates situations, resulting in unnecessary and heartbreaking tragedies.
Our department remains laser-focused on identifying and addressing violent offenders, as well as the places and behaviors that contribute to violence in our city. By identifying these key factors, we aim to disrupt the cycle of violence and prevent further harm to those who live and work here.
The men and women of IMPD recognize that building a safer community requires the collaboration of everyone—from law enforcement to community members, local leaders, and neighborhood organizations. Together, we can create an environment where violence is not tolerated and where safety and respect are prioritized.
As of today, we are seeing progress: criminal homicides are down compared to last year, with an 8.6% reduction in non-fatal shootings and a 12.5% decrease in shooting victims."