Fatal shooting outside festival ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘tragic,’ New Albany mayor says

New Albany mayor shares statement after fatal festival shooting

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The mayor of New Albany says people must “come together” to stop gun violence after a shooting outside a fall festival killed a high schooler and injured two others.

“We’ve enjoyed a safe Harvest Homecoming for nearly 57 years, but sadly, this type of gun violence is now all too common across the United States. Gun violence at a family festival is heartbreaking and tragic, and our country must find a way to come together to stop this type of violence,” Mayor Jeff Gahan said in a statement issued Sunday night.

New Albany police say 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach was caught in the crossfire when people started shooting in a parking area outside the city’s Harvest Homecoming festival Saturday night.

Gerlach was a student and a football player at Corydon Central High School in Harrison County.

“Our hearts are incredibly heavy as news was revealed that we have lost Bryce Gerlach,” Corydon Central High School wrote on Facebook. “There are not enough words to describe the condolences we extend to his family and friends.”

The shooting wounded a 22-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman.

The New Albany Police Department says the man’s injuries are serious but not life-threatening, while the woman was treated at a hospital and released. Both victims were shot in the lower extremities.

Police have not shared any suspect information and no arrests have been made.

“The New Albany Police Criminal Investigation’s Unit is continuing to follow up on leads, interview witnesses and review evidence. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation no additional information can be released at this time,” New Albany PD said Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information was asked to contact New Albany police dispatch at 812-944-6411.

Full statement from New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan:

I want to offer my condolences to the family of the young man who lost his life last evening in New Albany. My thoughts and prayers are with them today.

I also want to thank the police officers, emergency workers, festival volunteers, and others who quickly went into action helping others get to safety.

We’ve enjoyed a safe Harvest Homecoming for nearly 57 years, but sadly, this type of gun violence is now all too common across the United States.

Gun violence at a family festival is heartbreaking and tragic, and our country must find a way to come together to stop this type of violence.

The New Albany Police Department is working to bring those accountable to justice. The New Albany Police Department will be having a media briefing this morning at the New Albany Police Station to update the public on the status of the case.