BLOOMINGTON — Following a chaotic shooting on East Kirkwood Avenue that injured several people early Sunday morning, the Bloomington Police Department (BPD) has released critical new details regarding the events that led to the violence.
In an updated report issued Sunday afternoon, investigators revealed that the shooting was sparked by a physical altercation between two women in front of Five Guys restaurant.
According to BPD, the shooting occurred at approximately 12:25 a.m. while thousands of visitors were in town for Indiana University’s Little 500 weekend. Officers monitoring a large crowd in the 400 block of East Kirkwood Avenue witnessed a fight break out between two females.
As the fight escalated in front of the restaurant, multiple bystanders reportedly drew handguns, with at least two men firing weapons into the densely packed street, causing the massive crowd to flee in panic.
While initial reports suggested as many as nine people were injured, BPD has clarified that five female victims were struck by gunfire or bullet fragments. All five were transported to local hospitals. Four others were injured with scraps and bruises while fleeing the scene. All but one transported to the hospital have been released. One remains hospitalized, in stable condition.
The victims identified by police include:
- 20-year-old woman (Plainfield): Suffered a gunshot wound to the upper torso and fragment injuries. Police believe the bullet either entered the abdomen and exited through the armpit or vice versa.
- 18-year-old woman (South Bend): Fragment injuries to her ankle and shin.
- 22-year-old woman (South Bend): Fragment injury to the back of her thigh.
- 17-year-old girl (Indianapolis): Fragment injuries to her foot and ankle.
- 21-year-old woman (Indianapolis): Fragment injuries to her shins and thighs.
IU Associate Vice President for Public Safety Benjamin Hunter confirmed that none of the victims are Indiana University students.
In a press conference held Sunday at City Hall, Mayor Kerry Thomson expressed her heartbreak over the incident. “There is no place for gun violence in our city,” Thomson said, adding that her prayers are with the victims.
Indiana University also released a statement condemning the violence “in the strongest terms,” noting that while the shooting happened off-campus and involved non-students, it “marred what should have been a celebratory weekend for the IU and Bloomington communities.”
No suspects are currently in custody. The Bloomington Police Department is actively reviewing surveillance footage and social media videos to identify the shooters.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the initial fight or who has video footage of the incident to contact Detective Chris Scott at 812-339-4477.
