Teen Arrested After Shots Fired at Indianapolis Kroger: No Injuries Reported, Store Temporarily Closed
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A 16-year-old male has been arrested following a shooting incident Sunday afternoon at a Kroger store in downtown Indianapolis. According to a public police report from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), officers were dispatched to the Kroger located at 425 W. 16th Street around 2 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of the teenage suspect. He was taken into custody on preliminary charges of dangerous possession of a firearm by a minor (a Class A misdemeanor) and possession of marijuana (a Class B misdemeanor). His name has not been released due to his age.
The IMPD report lists one male victim connected to the incident, though it does not specify whether he was shot or injured. Authorities have not disclosed the age or condition of the victim, leaving several unanswered questions about the nature and context of the altercation.
Evidence Recovered at the Scene
As part of their investigation, IMPD officers recovered several items of evidence at the scene, including:
- Marijuana
- Ammunition
- A firearm magazine
- A semi-automatic Taurus Brazil G3C pistol
The presence of a loaded firearm and narcotics at the scene has heightened community concerns, particularly given the age of the suspect and the fact that the incident occurred in a public, family-oriented space during daylight hours.
Kroger Responds: Store Temporarily Closed
In response to the shooting, Kroger officials confirmed that the store was temporarily closed on Sunday to allow for repairs and support the ongoing investigation.
“The safety of our associates and customers is our top priority, so we are troubled by this senseless violence, and we are relieved no one was injured,” a Kroger spokesperson said in a prepared statement. “The store is closed for the moment while we repair damaged glass. The Kroger Asset Protection team is at the store assisting IMPD with its investigation of the incident.”
Kroger did not confirm whether the damaged glass was the result of gunfire, but the presence of police evidence markers and crime scene tape around the entrance signaled a serious incident that disrupted both employees and shoppers.
Growing Concern Over Youth Violence
The arrest of a 16-year-old in connection with gun-related charges adds to a growing list of recent youth-involved violence across Indianapolis and other urban areas. Community advocates and local officials have raised alarms about the accessibility of firearms to minors, particularly when combined with drug possession and other risky behavior.
Several neighborhood leaders have called for increased outreach programs, mental health resources, and preventative measures aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of teenagers and fostering safer environments in public places.
Ongoing Investigation
The IMPD continues to investigate the circumstances that led up to the shooting. It remains unclear whether the suspect and the victim knew each other or whether the incident was a random act. Police have not stated whether any additional suspects are being sought at this time.
As of Sunday evening, no additional charges had been filed, and the juvenile remains in custody pending further review by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and juvenile court authorities.
IMPD is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact them or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.
Community Impact
The incident has shaken customers and residents in the downtown Indianapolis area. For many, the idea that shots were fired inside or near a grocery store in the middle of the afternoon is a troubling reminder of the unpredictability of public violence.
Kroger has not announced when the store will reopen, but a spokesperson indicated it would remain closed until all safety repairs are complete and the investigation concludes.
As more details emerge, residents hope the incident serves as a wake-up call for renewed efforts to curb youth access to firearms and address the root causes of violence within the community.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact IMPD or submit a tip anonymously at Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.