Indianapolis Police Investigate Two East Side Shootings

Authorities seek connections between incidents that left one victim in critical condition and another stable

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Indianapolis police are investigating two separate shooting incidents that occurred on the city's east side on Sunday evening. One victim was found with critical injuries on Ritter Avenue, while another man with a gunshot wound later walked into a nearby hospital. Authorities believe the two shootings are connected, but neither victim is cooperating with the investigation. Police have detained one person for questioning.

Why it matters

Gun violence and lack of cooperation from victims are ongoing challenges for law enforcement in Indianapolis, which has seen elevated levels of crime in recent years. Establishing links between related incidents is crucial for understanding patterns and preventing further violence in the community.

The details

According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Captain Don Weilhammer, officers responded to a shooting on Ritter Avenue near 18th Street just after 8 p.m. and found a man with critical injuries who said he had been shot behind a nearby apartment building. However, investigators were unable to locate a crime scene. Shortly after, a man with a gunshot wound walked into the emergency room at Community East Hospital on Ritter Avenue and was reported to be in stable condition.

  • The first shooting was reported just after 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • The second victim walked into the hospital a short time after the initial incident.

The players

Don Weilhammer

Captain with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Community East Hospital

A hospital located on Ritter Avenue in Indianapolis where one of the shooting victims sought treatment.

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What’s next

Investigators will continue to search for connections between the two shootings and determine if the detained individual is connected to either incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and lack of cooperation from victims that Indianapolis police face in their efforts to address crime in the city. Establishing links between related incidents is crucial for understanding patterns and preventing further violence in the community.