Cease Fire Indy founder killed in east side shooting

INDIANAPOLIS — Police are investigating a deadly shooting on the city’s east side that claimed the life of a well-known community activist who rallied fiercely against violence.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called to the area of Arlington Avenue and 38th Street at approximately 11 a.m. on report of a shooting.

Police said officers arrived on scene and found an adult male inside a vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot injuries. The man was declared dead on scene.

Family, friends and officials confirmed the victim was Ron Gee, known in Indianapolis as a fierce anti-violence advocate who founded Cease Fire Indy.

“Ron was one of those individuals you really don’t come across too often,” Indianapolis City County Councilor Keith Graves told FOX59/CBS4. “He possessed the credibility that can reach people in our community that very few can, and he used that in a very positive way.”

Councilor Graves is one of many people who knew Gee and felt personally touched by his drive and passion.

“My pain is heavy right now,” Graves said. “I’m hurt right now. I wanted to see Ron win. Ron wanted to see me win.”

Gee started Cease Fire Indy, a nonprofit aimed at ending gun violence and uniting communities. He also launched a youth summer program called The Village Project back in 2022.

“He had a kid’s program and I had a kid’s program,” said Mike Ford, who knew Gee. “He was like, ‘we should hook up.’ And I said alright.”

Ford said Gee’s energy was unmatched. He said learning Gee died from the very thing he fought to prevent is practically beyond words.

“It’s almost unreal,” Ford said. “It’s kind of like one of those moments where you sit down and go, ‘well how do we re-approach this.’”

Ron Gee was critically injured in a shooting on Christmas Eve back in 2018. Police believed he was targeted. Despite that, those who knew him said he pushed onward.

While friends and family said his voice and dedication may be gone too soon, his message will live forever.

“It’s one of those things that I pray that won’t go in vain,” Graves said. “We lost Ron, but my prayer is that everyone understands his mission and that his mission goes on even bigger than he even ever imagined.”

At this time, no further information has been released as the investigation remains active and ongoing.

This is a developing story. Michael Van Schoik contributed to this report.

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