IMPD: Toddler shot, killed inside home with unsecured guns on Indy’s near northeast side

Indianapolis Metro police crews were called just after 12 p.m. Friday to the Methodist Hospital emergency room for a person shot. Upon arrival, they found a “very young” female victim who was in critical condition and suffering from a gunshot wound.

IMPD officials said that shortly after, the young girl was pronounced dead. No exact age was provided for the victim.

“This is extremely tragic,” IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson said. “There is a family, regardless of what happened, who is going to be grieving. A young child’s life will never come to fruition.”

Homicide detectives were told the shooting likely happened at a home in the 2000 block of Ralston Avenue on the city’s near northeast side. A search warrant was soon granted for the house and police said they located a crime scene inside.

Thompson said officers found several unsecured firearms inside the home. However, it is unknown what exactly led up to the toddler being shot.

“We have to do better,” Thompson said in regards to responsible gun ownership.

Police said that two individuals found on scene are cooperating with the investigation. These two people are believed to be the ones who drove the child to the hospital after the shooting.

In addition to IMPD Homicide detectives, Thompson confirmed that the Marion County Coroner’s Office and the Department of Child Services are also on scene investigating.