Docs: Alleged weed dealer shot man in Muncie garage

MUNCIE, Ind. — An alleged weed dealer reportedly shot a man multiple times in a garage in Muncie on Monday.

According to an affidavit for probable cause, Muncie police officers were called to a residence in the 2300 block of East 18th Street around 1:03 a.m. to investigate a shooting. When police arrived at the scene, they located a victim with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

The shooting victim was ultimately hospitalized. Medical staff later told the Muncie Police Department that the victim’s injuries required surgical intervention to repair.

Police spoke with several individuals as they investigated the shooting. During those interviews, officers determined that 36-year-old Aaron M. Sutton may have entered a garage in the 2300 block of East 18th Street, pointed a gun at the shooting victim and demanded money.

Court records indicate that a struggle ensued after Sutton pointed the gun at the victim. Police believe the victim was shot multiple times during the struggle for the weapon.

During their interviews, police were also led to believe that Sutton sells marijuana and rides motorcycles.

According to court documents, police obtained security camera video during their investigation. That video showed a person riding a motorcycle in the 300 block of North Grafton Avenue around half an hour before the shooting occurred. Additional video gathered by investigators showed what appeared to be the same motorcyclist returning to the area minutes after the shooting was reported to police.

MPD’s report indicates Sutton’s residence is located near the 300 block of North Grafton Avenue.

Police spoke with Sutton during their investigation. According to court records, Sutton initially told officers that he had not used his motorcycles Sunday night and Monday morning because they were inoperable.

As he continued talking with police, Sutton admitted that he had taken one of his motorcycles out around midnight because he wanted to see if one of his acquaintances could fix the bike’s clutch. Per court records, Sutton told police his acquaintance was not outside their home when he went to see if they could fix the clutch.

According to court documents, Sutton indicated that he returned to his home after observing that his acquaintance was not around assist him with fixing his motorcycle’s clutch. MPD reported that, throughout his interview with investigators, Sutton maintained that he did not visit the victim’s residence or attempt to rob or shoot him.

The victim ultimately survived the injuries he sustained in the shooting. Court documents indicate that Sutton faces the following preliminary charges:

• Armed robbery resulting in serious bodily injury — a Level 1 Felony
• Aggravated battery — a Level 3 Felony
• Pointing a firearm — a Level 6 Felony

Armed robbery resulting in serious bodily injury is the most serious of the charges Sutton faces. In Indiana, the maximum penalty for a Level 1 Felony like armed robbery resulting in serious bodily injury is a 40-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.