Teen shot, killed in act of self-defense
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says a 16-year-old was shot and killed in self-defense in an “apparent robbery” attempt on the far east side.
Just before 4:30 a.m., IMPD got a report of a person shot on Tapp Drive near Cumberland.
The homeowner’s daughter and her boyfriend claim they were sitting in their car when at least two suspects yanked open the car door and tried to rob them at gunpoint.
Those victims didn’t want to go on camera, but say the whole scary situation lasted just a few seconds.
Police found a male who was declared dead at the scene. The Marion County Coroner’s Office later identified the deceased as 16-year-old Armohnie Preswood. Police say the teen was found armed with a gun.
According to IMPD, two people in the car were approached by multiple individuals, including Preswood.
At one point, shots were fired, and Preswood was hit by gunfire.
Police believe the shooting was the result of an attempted robbery. The shooter is cooperating with the investigation. No arrests have been made.
Neighbor Joyce Kefauver says she was woken up by a sound around the time of the shooting.
“It’s very scary! All these shootings and now it’s in my neighborhood,” said Kefauver.
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“The victims of an apparent robbery defended themselves and now we have one deceased male,” said IMPD Sgt. Frank Wooten.
“It’s just crazy out here so you have to protect yourself,” said neighbor Marlon Smith.
The victim’s car was also damaged by at least a couple of bullets, which they claim were fired by a second suspect who ran away down the street.
Neighbors certainly don’t fault the victims for defending themselves.
“It’s sad to say but you have to do what you have to do because these last few months have been hectic out here,” said Smith.
The killing marks the second time in less than a week that someone used deadly force to kill a suspected criminal in Indianapolis.
Last week a homeowner near 34th and MLK shot and killed a man during a home invasion.
“A person on their own property has an absolute right, it’s called the Castle Doctrine, to protect themselves,” said attorney Jack Crawford.
Attorney Crawford explains that Indiana’s Stand Your Ground law gives people the right to defend their property and their lives against a forcible felony.
“If someone is attacking you or about to commit a forcible felony, you have the right to defend yourself even using deadly force,” said Crawford. “Let’s face it. A lot of people are packing now as the saying goes and if they are attacked or somebody close to them is attacked, they have a right to stand their ground.”
Both victims were questioned by police and then released.
Police have not arrested any additional suspects who may have fled the scene.
Man killed in suspected home invasion
INDIANAPOLIS — A man was killed early Friday in what police say appears to be a home invasion on the near northwest side of Indianapolis.
Police say a report of a person shot in the 900 block of W. 34th Street came in just after 4 a.m. This is across the street from Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery.
Officials said the homeowner shot and killed another man inside the home. The man was pronounced deceased shortly after officers arrived on scene.
According to IMPD, preliminary evidence indicates this was a home invasion or burglary.
IMPD says the homeowner is cooperating with investigators.
It’s unknown if the homeowner and the man who was killed knew each other.