IMPD finds firearms, narcotics after arresting 2 carjacking suspects on near east side

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis metro police have arrested two men for their alleged roles in an armed carjacking that occurred on the city’s near east side over the weekend.

David Sneed, 29, and Kyle Castner, 23, have been preliminarily charged with armed robbery (level 3 felony), possession of cocaine (level 6 felony), resisting law enforcement (level 6 felony) and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon (level 4 felony).

The investigation began on Sunday, July 28, when officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were called to the 3300 block of East Washington Street after receiving reports that an armed carjacking had occurred in the area.

IMPD said the victim told responding officers that they had provided a ride to two males, later identified as Sneed and Castner, who allegedly punched and struck the victim in the head with a firearm after reaching their destination.

The victim said they were then ordered to exit the vehicle while one of the suspects pointed a firearm at them, according to IMPD.

Once the victim was out of the vehicle, Sneed and Castner allegedly drove off with the stolen vehicle. Around 30 minutes later, officers with IMPD’s East District were investigating an unrelated call from dispatch in the 1100 block of North Keystone Avenue when they reportedly saw a vehicle matching the carjacked vehicle’s provided description.

One of the officers activated the emergency lights on their police vehicle to conduct a traffic stop. IMPD said the suspects reportedly ignored the officer’s efforts for a traffic stop, initiating a vehicle pursuit.

The pursuit eventually reached its conclusion in the 2100 block of Graham Avenue where the suspects exited the vehicle and continued fleeing on foot, IMPD said.

IMPD confirmed that Sneed, who IMPD said was the driver of the stolen vehicle, and Castner was soon apprehended and transported to the Marion County Jail.

Officers later found a weapon that fit the description the victim gave to officers when describing the weapon the suspects used during the carjacking. IMPD said police also located suspected narcotics inside the vehicle.

During the course of the investigation into the incident, detectives determined that Sneed and Castner were serious violent felons, meaning they could not legally own any firearms. Officers also became aware that Sneed and Castner had active felony warrants out of Marion County. IMPD did not share the specific charges outlined in the active arrest warrants.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final decision regarding any official charges involving both individuals in this case.

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