17-Year-Old Arrested for Fatal Shooting at Tillman Park; One Dead, Another Critically Injured
FORT WAYNE, IN — A tragic incident at a local park has led to the arrest of a teenager, as the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) confirmed that 17-year-old Josiyah Derrick is now in custody following a deadly shooting that occurred Monday evening during a large gathering at Tillman Park.
According to FWPD, the shooting unfolded during a crowd-filled event at the popular South Side park. Officers were called to the scene around Monday evening, responding to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and victims down. When they arrived, officers discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds.
Tragically, one man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second victim was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims, pending family notifications. The condition of the surviving victim remains unknown at this time, but police say he is undergoing treatment.
Following a swift and intensive investigation by the department’s homicide and gang units, Josiyah Derrick, a 17-year-old, was taken into custody. He is facing serious charges, including murder and unlawful carrying of a handgun — charges that reflect the severity of the violent events that unfolded in what was meant to be a peaceful public gathering.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and frightening environment, with families, children, and other community members scrambling for safety when shots rang out. Some reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing people running in different directions.
“It was supposed to be a fun night at the park. People were barbecuing, playing music, just enjoying the summer,” said one eyewitness who asked not to be named. “Then suddenly it was like a war zone. We hit the ground and tried to get our kids to safety.”
The motive for the shooting has not been officially confirmed, though investigators believe the violence may have stemmed from a dispute that escalated during the gathering. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of gang involvement or other contributing factors.
FWPD Chief Steve Reed issued a statement late Tuesday, acknowledging the deep concern within the community and expressing gratitude for the swift cooperation of those who came forward with information. “We are committed to pursuing justice for the victims and restoring peace in our community,” Chief Reed said. “This kind of violence has no place in Fort Wayne, especially in spaces meant to bring us together like Tillman Park.”
The arrest of a juvenile suspect in such a grave crime has also sparked concern and discussion around youth violence in the city. Community leaders and activists have called for greater attention to the underlying issues driving young people into violent situations.
“This is a wake-up call,” said local activist Tamara Lawson, who runs a youth mentorship program on the city’s south side. “We are losing too many young lives, both to the grave and to the criminal justice system. We need more intervention, more opportunities, and more community engagement before it gets to this point.”
Josiyah Derrick is currently being held at the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center, and it remains unclear whether he will be charged as an adult. The decision will depend on the ongoing legal proceedings and input from the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office.
As the community mourns the life lost and prays for the recovery of the critically injured victim, police are continuing their investigation and urging any additional witnesses or individuals with video footage of the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Fort Wayne Police Department Homicide Division at (260) 427-1201 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (260) 436-STOP.
What should have been a summer evening filled with joy has instead become a sobering reminder of the need for ongoing efforts to address gun violence and support Fort Wayne’s youth before tragedy strikes again.