Repeated intimidation of apartment residents led to shooting of 5 people

INDIANAPOLIS — Five people are recovering from gunshot wounds following a shooting at an apartment complex on Indy’s south side.

Just after 8 p.m. Sunday, a fight near the playground of the Laurelwood apartment complex erupted into gunfire Five people were hit by gunfire, including a 17-year-old boy.

“It happened so fast that bullets just started flying,” said one victim. “It saddens me.”

That woman didn’t want to be identified, but shared a picture of her injury after she was shot in the arm. Her daughter was also shot in the leg.

“There’s some things that’s been going on with those young men over there, terrorizing and taunting the women and children over there,” said the victim.

Although the shooting took place near the basketball court, neighbors claim the dispute did not start with a game, but instead stemmed from a group of young men who routinely come to the apartment complex and intimidate the residents.

Multiple people who live in the complex and witnessed the shooting confirm the same story.

As soon as management at the apartment complex leaves for the day, a group of teenagers often moves in armed with guns and begins harassing kids and parents near the basketball court.

That repeated intimidation finally turned violent.

“It’s scary that teenage boys would terrorize an apartment complex that has hundreds of kids over there,” said the victim.

“They’ve been out here for a few months with guns, intimidating the apartments,” said one neighbor.  “They don’t let the kids play at the basketball court and they just kind of antagonize the kids.  They pick on them.”

That neighbor also asked not to be shown for fear of retaliation.

The apartment complex management declined to comment on the complaints.

The woman who was shot in the arm just wishes parents would play a bigger role in preventing violence by talking to their children about staying out of trouble.

“You need to watch your kids.  Kids should not be toting guns, period,” said the victim.

Police detained a person of interest for questioning.  That person was later released without being arrested.

Police are still searching for other suspects that may have been involved in the shooting.

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