Two men arrested after fight on Kirkwood Avenue leaves man injured

Staff report

Bloomington, Ind. – September 30, 2025

Bloomington police arrested two men this week in connection with a late-night fight on East Kirkwood Avenue that left another man with serious dental injuries.

According to Bloomington Police Department reports, officers were dispatched around 11:35 p.m. Sept. 26 to the 400 block of East Kirkwood Avenue after receiving a report of an assault in progress. Several males were reportedly fighting when officers arrived.

One of the men, identified as Robert Ballard, was bleeding from his mouth and appeared to have had teeth knocked out. Ballard, however, refused medical treatment and initially told investigators no fight had occurred.

Witnesses provided statements and police reviewed cell phone video of the incident, which reportedly involved two men who were armed with handguns, though the weapons were not displayed during the altercation. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects at that time.

At about 1:15 a.m. Sept. 27, officers responded to Five Guys in the 400 block of East Kirkwood Avenue after a caller reported that two of the men involved in the fight were inside the restaurant. Police located the individuals and spoke with them, but both were released because Ballard declined to pursue charges.

On Sept. 29, Ballard gave a new statement to investigators, saying someone had taken his cell phone while he was sitting on a wall that night. He said a verbal argument with a man he believed stole the phone escalated into the physical altercation. Ballard told police he now wished to pursue charges.

Later that day, police located two suspects: Avery Williams, 25, of Bloomington, and Khalil Morris, 21, of Bloomington. After interviews, both men were arrested and booked into the Monroe County Jail on charges of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 5 felony.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police said additional arrests are possible.

Addendum: Community raises funds for assault victim’s dental care

Following the Sept. 26 assault on Kirkwood Avenue, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover dental expenses for Robert “Bobby” Ballard, who lost multiple teeth in the altercation.

As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had collected more than $8,400 from nearly 250 donors. Organizers say the money will go toward dental surgery, prosthetics, and related medical needs to restore Ballard’s ability to eat and speak comfortably.

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