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Five Teenagers Wounded In Indianapolis Canal Shooting

Last updated on Sunday, March 18, 2012

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Five teenagers have been shot along the downtown canal, injuring at least one critically. However, Indianapolis Metro Police Chief Paul Ciesielski says, none of the teens suffered “life threatening injuries.”

He says, "All are expected to recover."

The shooting happened around 10 p.m. Saturday. Two of the victims were transported to Wishard Hospital and the other three to Riley Hospital. At least one victims is confirmed in critical condition and another in serious condition.

The victims who were at Wishard Hospital were being released early Sunday. Police said both of those victims are 17 years old. One of the victims at Riley Hospital is 16 or 17 years old, police say, along with two 14-year olds.

A witness nearby said they saw a person get out of a car and fire six shots. Other witnesses said several people ran through the Indianapolis Historical Society parking lot into Military Park. Several .40 caliber shells were reportedly found on a sidewalk near the canal.

"On the way out, we heard there were five. We had originally just seen the two. We saw the one on the stretcher and it's too bad things like that happen," said Mike Hart, who was attending a wedding at the Indiana Historical Society.

At least one victim was found near the Indianapolis Historical Society along the canal. Victims were reportedly found on both sides of the canal, between New York and Ohio streets, with two on one side, three on the other. Police say the victims range in age from "early teens" to 17 or 18 years of age.

Hart said it was a scary situation, but the quick response of several police units calmed his fears.

"It's more or less, it's just where you're wondering what's going on. You don't worry too much with the show of force there was an everything like that," he said.

There are two crime scenes taped off in the area, one where the victims were found and another in the Indiana Historical Society's parking lot, where witnesses had seen people running after the shots.

The shooting took place across the street from a fire station. Firefighters rushed to the scene to offer first aid.

Police have interviewed several witnesses. IMPD Sgt. Linda Jackson said police had a possible person of interest in custody, but did not know if that person was a suspect or just someone to be questioned.

Chief Ciesielski says, police have "some leads, but no arrests yet." He added, "My first question is, 'what are they doing down by the canal at this late hour?'"

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