Southside Indianapolis apartment complex plagued by crime, resident concerns

Residents at Laurelwood Apartments deal with escalating issues including break-ins, shootings, and fires as new ownership promises improvements

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Residents at the Laurelwood Apartments on Indianapolis' south side are facing a growing number of issues, including break-ins by squatters, shootings, and fires. Longtime tenant Johnny Daniels says sirens are now a routine occurrence, and he's waiting for promised improvements from the complex's new ownership while city housing officials and HUD are being pressed for answers.

Why it matters

The ongoing problems at Laurelwood Apartments highlight broader concerns about public safety and housing quality in some Indianapolis neighborhoods. As the city grapples with issues like repeat offenders and aging affordable housing stock, this case underscores the need for effective coordination between property owners, law enforcement, and government agencies to address community challenges.

The details

In recent incidents, a neighbor caught on video squatters using a car to break into a vacant apartment unit at Laurelwood. There have also been several shootings and fires reported at the complex. Residents say the issues have escalated under the complex's new ownership, which has promised improvements but has yet to fully address the problems.

  • Residents have been dealing with the escalating issues for several months.
  • A recent incident involving squatters breaking into a vacant unit was caught on video.

The players

Laurelwood Apartments

An apartment complex on the south side of Indianapolis that has been plagued by crime and safety concerns from residents.

Johnny Daniels

A longtime tenant at Laurelwood Apartments who says sirens are now a routine occurrence and is waiting for promised improvements from the complex's new ownership.

Indianapolis city housing officials

Government agencies that are being pressed to address the ongoing issues at Laurelwood Apartments.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The federal agency that oversees affordable housing programs and is involved in the issues at Laurelwood Apartments.

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What they’re saying

“Sirens are now routine, and I'm still waiting for promised improvements from the complex's new ownership while city housing officials and HUD are being pressed for answers.”

— Johnny Daniels, Longtime Laurelwood Apartments resident (WTHR.com)

What’s next

City housing officials and HUD are continuing to work with the Laurelwood Apartments' new ownership to address the ongoing issues and improve safety and living conditions for residents.

The takeaway

The problems at Laurelwood Apartments underscore the challenges facing some Indianapolis neighborhoods when it comes to public safety, housing quality, and coordination between property owners, law enforcement, and government agencies. Addressing these complex issues will require a multi-faceted approach to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.