INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis teenager faces two felony charges after allegedly bringing a gun to an elementary school playground before running from police.
David Long, 17, is charged with unlawful carrying of a handgun within 500 feet of school property and possession of a firearm on school property, both felonies, in addition to misdemeanor charges of dangerous possession of a firearm by a minor and resisting law enforcement.
According to recently released court documents, shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday, July 29, IMPD officers received a call from Maplewood Elementary School on Indy's west side. The 911 caller allegedly said that they saw a group of juveniles outside the school on the playground and one of the juveniles appeared to be armed with a weapon.
Court documents say around 5:25 p.m., the chief of Wayne School Police was informed by a teacher that a male wearing a red jacket was armed with a handgun on school property. The teacher took video of the male on their smartphone and sent it to police.
The video helped police identify the male as Long.
Later, IMPD officers located Long walking along Minnesota Street with an unidentified female. When officers attempted to approach Long, court documents say he allegedly ran into an alleyway south of Minnesota Street.
One IMPD officer was able to speak with the unidentified female while another officer circled the block, searching for Long.
Later, an officer spotted Long running from a house in the 4900 block of West Caven Street. Court documents say that when Long saw police, he allegedly jumped over a backyard fence and continued to flee.
Court documents say an IMPD officer in full uniform got out of his police cruiser and yelled "STOP! POLICE!" at Long, but Long instead reached for an object on his right hip and continued to flee.
As a foot chase ensued, Long continued to refuse police demands, but later allegedly threw his firearm and holster over a fence and surrendered to police.
After arresting Long, police investigated the area where the gun was allegedly thrown. Evidence technicians took photos and the gun was identified as a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson SD 40, according to court documents. The gun was allegedly loaded with eight rounds of ammunition and had not been reported stolen.
Court documents say additional video was presented to police by MSD of Wayne Township Superintendent Jeffrey Butts and a neighbor who captured video of Long prior to his arrest.
As of the publication of this article, Long's initial court date has not yet been scheduled.
