IMPD Arrests 6 at Lugar Plaza, Aiming to Maintain Safe Environment

Police say public spaces should be welcoming, but open drug use and criminal activity undermine that goal

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department arrested six people at downtown's Lugar Plaza on Friday, with four arrests for narcotics-related offenses and two for outstanding warrants. This follows four other arrests made in the same area earlier this week. IMPD says public spaces like Lugar Plaza are meant to be safe and welcoming for everyone, but open drug use and ongoing criminal activity undermine that goal.

Why it matters

Lugar Plaza is a public space in downtown Indianapolis intended to be accessible and safe for residents, workers, and visitors. However, the recent arrests for drug-related offenses and outstanding warrants raise concerns about public safety and the ability of the space to fulfill its purpose of being a welcoming environment.

The details

Of the six people arrested on Friday, four were for narcotics-related offenses and two were for outstanding warrants. One arrest involved a person using narcotics while multiple marked police cars and officers were present in the plaza. IMPD had been stationed at the location for more than 30 minutes before that arrest occurred.

  • On Friday, February 14, 2026, IMPD arrested six people at Lugar Plaza.
  • Earlier this week, IMPD made four other arrests in the same area.

The players

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD)

The law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Lugar Plaza

A public space in downtown Indianapolis located south of the City-County Building and north of the Julia Carson Transit Center for IndyGo buses.

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What they’re saying

“Public spaces like Lugar Plaza are meant to be safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone. Open drug use and ongoing criminal activity undermine public health and quality of life in Downtown Indianapolis.”

— IMPD Downtown District (IMPD Downtown District Facebook post)

What’s next

IMPD says it is working with community partners to connect people struggling with substance abuse to appropriate resources, and remains committed to balancing accountability with compassion while maintaining a safe environment for people who live, work and visit the downtown area.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining public spaces that are truly safe and welcoming for all members of the community, as open drug use and criminal activity can undermine those goals. It will require a collaborative approach between law enforcement, social services, and the community to address these issues in a way that promotes public safety and well-being.