Court docs: Robbery of Air Jordan shoes leads to shooting on Indy’s south side

INDIANAPOLIS — Two young men are in jail accused of armed robbery following a shooting on Indy’s south side.

On Sept. 2, 2024, IMPD officers were called to the 8000 block of Madison Avenue on a report of a person shot.

Officers quickly located a wounded victim who was transported to Eskenazi Hospital and is expected to be okay.

According to court records, the victim told police three suspects followed him to a Phillips 66 gas station at the corner of Madison and Stop 11 and wanted to steal the Jordan shoes he was wearing.

That initial confrontation was caught on camera.

The victim could be seen wearing a white shirt and Air Jordan shoes when he was confronted by three young men on Monday.

The suspects could be seen repeatedly pointing at the victim’s feet.

As the victim tried to back away peacefully, the suspects continued to examine his shoes.

After a minute or so, that victim was pushed out the front door of the business and the argument over the shoes continued outside.

Eventually, the victim walked back to the adjacent apartment complex on south Madison where he claims he was pistol-whipped, punched and shot during a robbery and his shoes were stolen.

Police urge all victims to cooperate to try and avoid violence.

“If you feel you’re in harm’s way, there’s nothing worth losing your life for. Clothing or a vehicle, it’s not worth it,” said IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson.

Within minutes of the shooting, police showed up and arrested 21-year-old Lazaruis Harrell and 19-year-old Markell Coles.

According to the affidavit, Harrell insisted the Jordan shoes belonged to him because they’d been placed in a common area of the nearby apartments several days prior and later went missing.

Whatever the truth is about shoes, police praised the public’s assistance for the quick arrest of the two adult suspects.

“You cannot thank the community enough for coming forward, not being afraid and taking a stand within their community,” said Thompson.

The third 17-year-old suspect told police he threw the gun in some woods before being caught.

Detectives on scene learned that the suspects attempted to get into a vehicle that was not theirs, prior to fleeing the scene on foot and then being taken into custody by officers.

The teen was later released pending further investigation.

All three suspects denied knowing who was responsible for the shooting.

Although the adult suspects are being held on a preliminary charge of armed robbery, ultimately it will be up to the prosecutor’s office to file formal charges in the case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 59.