Indiana Court of Appeals upholds sentencing for Zionsville woman who shot at officers while walking with her children

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. — The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction and sentencing of a Zionsville mother who opened fire at police officers two years ago.

Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood announced the verdict Monday afternoon, confirming that the 11-year prison sentence handed down to Lauren Cupp was affirmed.

According to previous reports, Cupp was found guilty of two counts of resisting law enforcement and two counts of neglect of a dependent. All are Level 6 felonies. She also received a sentence enhancement for “using a firearm during the commission of a crime.”

In May 2024, Cupp fired a single shot at police officers and sheriff’s deputies while she was walking with her children in the Royal Run subdivision of Zionsville. There was an active warrant for her arrest, prompting officers from the Whitestown and Zionsville police departments to attempt to find and place her under arrest.

The active warrant was related to a previous battery and trespass case in Hancock County. Deputies with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in apprehending Cupp.

During the incident, Eastwood said Cupp’s children were 20 feet away when she opened fire. Cupp was captured on bodycam footage threatening the responding officers and firing her weapon.

During the pursuit, Cupp left her children unattended and fled into a wooded area where she was later apprehended by a Zionsville police K-9 unit.

Cupp later admitted that she was aware police were trying to find her. She also claimed to have not fired the gun intentionally, though she did draw the gun and point it at officers while saying, “Mother f*****, play with me. I ain’t playing.”

In Friday’s ruling on the matter, the Indiana Court of Appeals noted that Cupp’s double jeopardy claim was not legitimate “because her actions constituted distinct acts of resistance.”

“This decision underscores the gravity of Cupp’s actions and reinforces the vital importance of safeguarding law enforcement officers and children from harm. We’re grateful for the Indiana Court of Appeals’ careful consideration and its dedication to upholding justice,” said Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood. “Further, I commend our deputy prosecutors, WMPD, ZPD and BCSO for their professionalism and teamwork in this case.”