INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Metropolitan police are investigating a shooting incident that stemmed from a car crash and critically injured a woman working at a north-side hardware store.
IMPD officers were called around 3:15 p.m. to the intersection of N. Keystone Avenue and E. 71st Street on reports of shots fired and a person injured.
The shooting
Upon arrival, IMPD crews were told that the shooting stemmed from a car crash. IMPD Sgt. Genae Cook said that police believe two to three cars were involved in the crash, which occurred in the southbound lane of N. Keystone.
Two of the drivers involved in the crash, IMPD said, pulled into a gas station parking lot and stopped their cars. Then, a third driver who was also potentially involved in the crash briefly pulled into the gas station before driving away.
As the third vehicle drove south on Keystone, IMPD said that one of the other drivers — later identified as 27-year-old Marqueses Tipton — began shooting at the vehicle. Tipton struck the vehicle at least once, said IMPD. The driver of the third vehicle called police, returned to the scene and cooperated with detectives.
Woman shot
While none of the three drivers were injured, IMPD said a 64-year-old woman working at the nearby Sullivan’s Hardware and Garden Center was struck by a stray bullet. Sullivan’s was directly in line with the direction Tipton was shooting, police noted.
That woman, an employee of Sullivan’s, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. IMPD said that the woman’s condition was later changed to critical but stable.
IMPD does not believe the woman was involved in the initial crash and confrontation.
The suspect
IMPD officers that initially arrived on scene were told by witnesses that the suspect in the shooting — Tipton — drove away. Officers got a description of the vehicle as well.
Soon after, IMPD said Tipton pulled back into the gas station parking lot and told officers he was the person who fired shots.
Detectives arrested Tipton on charges including criminal recklessness with a weapon and aggravated battery.
The investigation
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case and determine a final charges.
Anyone with additional information should call Detective Aaron Ramos at the IMPD Aggravated Assault Office at 317-327-3475 or email him at Aaron.Ramos@indy.gov. The public can also submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.