Man fatally shot outside Lucas Oil Stadium; IMPD searches for suspect
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A man was found dead Monday night on a sidewalk outside Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis police say.
Police initially thought the suspect ran into the nearby Indiana Convention Center, and special weapons and tactics teams were going through Convention Center late Monday night to secure it. However, surveillance video from the Convention Center later showed the suspect entering the building and then leaving it; the suspect then was unable to get back inside.
The man found dead on a sidewalk northwest of the stadium was identified Tuesday as Donnie Lee Sanders, 35.
No suspect was in custody Tuesday.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was called about 9:45 p.m. Monday to a person shot at the stadium at 500 S. Capitol Ave. A minute later, medics were sent to West South Street and South Missouri Street, just northwest of the stadium.
A large police presence surrounded the stadium Monday night as well as the nearby Indianapolis Convention Center after the shooting. The Convention Center had been locked down, but that limit was lifted by midnight Monday; employees had been asked to shelter in place.
IMPD tweeted at 10:39 p.m. Monday, “At this time, all streets around Lucas Oil Stadium are closed off due to this active investigation. This includes South, Capital, Missouri & Maryland St. Residents and drivers can expect these streets to be blocked off the the next several hours as this investigation continues”
Anyone with information was asked to call 317-327-3475.
No events were scheduled Monday night at the stadium. The Indiana Convention Center is preparing to host Work Truck Week, an event set to begin Tuesday with educational sessions.
Statement
“Downtown public safety remains a priority for the City of Indianapolis. That’s why, in addition to regular law enforcement operations, we have partnered with Downtown Indy Inc. to invest in overtime for bike patrol officers, new public safety trailer cameras, grants for the b-link camera program, and more. We will continue to work with Downtown stakeholders to promote safety for residents, visitors, and workers.”
Spokesperson for the office of Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett on March 7, 2023
