Rash of shootings force IMPD to increase patrols
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A series of shootings in the near northeast side has neighbors concerned and IMPD on alert.
During 24-Hour News 8’s ride with Sgt. Matt Thomas, we quickly learned there wouldn’t be much riding. There was more walking, talking, and searching for answers.
“We generally know what has happened but we’re searching for why something has happened, why someone has shot somebody else,” Thomas said.
Sgt. Thomas is a member of IMPD North District’s flex unit, a group that could be searching for repeat robbers one day, illegal gun owners the next.
“We do a lot of intelligence based policing,” he said.
Today’s task is simple: conduct patrols and gather information near the intersection of 34 Street and Keystone Avenue. It’s an area that’s had three shootings in four days with six victims. One of them, Jakoby Scott, didn’t survive. Police said they also recovered an assault rifle and two bullet proof vests while responding to one of the shootings.
“We’re not going to live in fear and our residents are not going to continue to live in fear. We’re coming after you,” said Deputy Mayor David Hampton.
He was part of a group including pastors who held a press conference, denouncing the violence in the area. They were standing right next to a memorial site for Scott.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Thomas worked to find the root cause of the problems.
He visited a convenience store at the epicenter of the crimes and talked to a worker. The worker told him he wanted to see more patrols because it might help get rid of the people constantly loitering nearby.
Sgt. Thomas then walked down the sidewalks one block over, chatting with people to see if they have any specific concerns. One man mentioned an abandoned home that’s been an eyesore. Sgt. Thomas investigated the property and found that a shed in the back had been riddled with bullets.
“If we have a shots fired run in this area, this is a location where it could be occurring,” he said as he was noting information for future reference.
These actions might not solve the shootings now, but he said by showing IMPD cares, it could help down the road.
“Then next time we see (the neighbors) and we need their help for something we’ve already kind of built a little bit of trust with them,” he said.
