INDIANAPOLIS — Young people have been at the center of recent violence and crime around Indianapolis, especially armed carjackings.
In just five days, seven juveniles and an 18-year-old have been arrested by IMPD for their involvement in three separate armed robberies, carjackings and police chases that have all ended in a crash.
Sunday
A car with two juveniles crashed during a chase that ended in front of the Indiana State Fairgrounds Sunday morning, on the final day of the Indiana State Fair.
Just before 11:30 a.m. Aug. 18, IMPD officers began to chase a suspect car, which was wanted in connection with a carjacking investigation, after it wouldn't stop for police and fled.
During the chase, an officer performed a PIT maneuver that resulted in the suspect car flipping over at the intersection of 38th Street and North College Avenue.
Both of the juveniles in the car were detained and taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. IMPD said one of the juveniles will be arrested for fleeing police in a vehicle. Police also confirmed a weapon was found at the scene of the crash.
Wednesday
Three teenagers led police on a chase in a stolen car that ended in a crash on Indy's northwest side.
Around 3 a.m. Aug. 21, officers responded to a report of a robbery and carjacking. When police attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, it fled and led officers on a chase that stopped when the car crashed into a tree at 61st Street and Michigan Road.
According to a police report of the incident, IMPD arrested two 17-year-olds and an 18-year-old, who were in the stolen car.
All three were detained on the scene and face preliminary charges of armed robbery, resisting law enforcement and dangerous possession of a firearm as a minor.
Thursday
A 13-, 15- and 16-year-old led police on a chase after shooting firearms and fleeing in a stolen car that eventually crashed on Indy's east side — but that didn't stop the young suspects from fleeing on foot.
Around 3:30 a.m. Aug. 22, IMPD officers responded to a report of shots fired and located a stolen car. When police tried to top the suspect vehicle, it fled and eventually crashed at 30th Street and Emerson Avenue. That's when the three juveniles got out of the car and ran from police.
According to an IMPD spokesperson, officers, a drone unit and K-9 unit were able to find and detain all three of the suspects just moments after the crash.
At least one gun was found by police at the scene.