A 17-year-old teenager has been charged as an adult for his involvement in a shooting that took place last month in downtown Indianapolis. The incident resulted in the injury of seven minors, ranging from 12 to 17 years old. Authorities made this announcement on Tuesday.
King Dennis is facing charges in adult court, which include a misdemeanor charge of dangerous possession of a firearm, as well as two felony counts of criminal recklessness. The shooting incident took place on March 30th. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears explained that the decision to move the case to adult court was based on Dennis’ previous conviction related to firearms, the severity of the shooting, and the applicable state law.
The prosecutors have expressed their concerns about the “physical safety of another person or the community” and have requested a higher bond in the case. They have also asked the court to impose GPS monitoring on the teenager. Apart from seeking an increase in bond, the prosecutors have urged the court to prohibit Dennis from entering within a six-block radius of the shooting’s location.
An ongoing feud between groups led to the shooting, according to authorities. Shortly after 11:30 p.m. on March 30, police officers on patrol in downtown Indianapolis heard shots fired.
According to Deputy Chief Tanya Terry of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, a significant number of young individuals were present at the location when the responding officers arrived. Out of this group, six minors were found to have sustained gunshot wounds. They were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Additionally, another victim arrived at an area hospital later on.
Seven individuals were injured in the incident, comprising of two 16-year-old boys, one 16-year-old girl, three 14-year-old girls, and one 12-year-old boy. Fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening.
The city’s battle against rising youth violence gained national attention when the shooting took place. The incident also led to the enforcement of the state’s curfew law by the police.
Teen later identified as suspect through surveillance footage
According to newly revealed court records, Dennis was apprehended by the police on the night of the shooting “after engaging in a scuffle with law enforcement.” When questioned by the authorities, the teenager claimed that he and his cousins came across a sizable crowd engaged in a brawl. Although he admitted to hearing gunshots, he professed ignorance regarding the motive behind the assailants targeting him.
After reviewing surveillance footage, the police quickly identified him as a suspect. The footage captured the shooting incident and clearly showed Dennis, the trigger-puller, wearing the same light-colored embroidered jacket he had on when he was arrested. According to a probable cause affidavit, the footage revealed Dennis pointing a handgun towards a crowd of people and firing.
Dennis was apprehended by investigators at his residence after they conducted surveillance on his address. On April 5, he was detained during a routine traffic stop. Court records reveal that Dennis admitted to being the individual captured in the surveillance video during interviews with the police.
According to court records, Dennis informed the police that he was accompanied by his 12-year-old cousin and a few other individuals when they came across a group engaged in a fight near the sidewalk. As per his account, shots were fired towards him, prompting him to seek cover near the corner of the intersection. It was at this point that he retrieved the pistol he had concealed in his jacket and retaliated with gunfire.
According to court records, the individual also informed the police that he had obtained the firearm from his closest companion earlier that evening. However, no additional information regarding this individual was disclosed in the records.
The police stated that they will continue their investigation by reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses in order to identify any additional suspects involved.
Youth violence surges in Indianapolis
The rate of homicides and shootings in Indianapolis has seen a decline in recent years. However, there has been a concerning increase in violence among young people aged 17 and below. A recent report reveals that the youth homicide rate in Indianapolis has tripled since 2016.
According to the report, Indianapolis experiences three to four shootings of youth for every homicide that occurs in the city. Shockingly, Black youth in Indianapolis are nine times more likely to be shot compared to youth of other races. Additionally, the report highlights that youth firearm injuries are particularly concentrated on the east side of the city. This data paints a troubling picture of the prevalence of gun violence impacting young individuals in Indianapolis.
To address the increasing levels of youth violence in Indianapolis, the city has established a dedicated role aimed at reducing such violence among young people.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Christopher Bailey made an announcement last week regarding the enforcement of Indiana’s curfew law for minors. The law states that children under the age of 15 are not allowed to be in a public place after 11 p.m. or before 5 a.m. on any given day.
Officers will use the public address systems on their patrol cars to make announcements before the curfew goes into effect. They will then make another announcement to inform everyone that the curfew is now in effect. If any young individuals are found violating the curfew, the officers have the authority to take them to a safe location specifically designated for this purpose. Additionally, the officers will inform the parent or guardian of the minor about the violation.
“The behavior witnessed on March 30 will not persist,” affirmed Bailey in a recent statement. “As parents, adults, and law enforcement, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our children, keeping them away from harm’s way and out of trouble.”
