INDIANAPOLIS — A former Bedford resident is behind bars in Marion County after witnesses and police say he shot a friend and stole his luxury sedan following a dispute over drugs at a south-side tavern early Tuesday morning.
Tyler Inman, 32, currently of Indianapolis, faces a slew of felony charges following the violent encounter in the parking lot of Barringer’s Tavern on South Meridian Street.
According to court records, the incident began around midnight when Inman reportedly became “angry and aggressive” after being confronted by a friend. The victim told Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers that Inman was using cocaine and attempting to put the drug into other patrons’ drinks inside the establishment.
The confrontation spilled out into the parking lot near the victim’s dark blue 2026 Genesis G70.
The victim told police that a struggle ensued near the vehicle, where a handgun was located. During the fight, Inman allegedly gained control of the weapon and fired a shot, striking the victim in the left leg.
Evidence found at the scene included a fired .40 caliber cartridge, a wallet containing Inman’s state ID card, surveillance footage that reportedly shows Inman kicking the victim in the chest before the shooting, and then fleeing eastbound in the stolen Genesis.
IMPD officers later located the abandoned Genesis in a nearby alley. The vehicle’s license plate had been removed, and a loaded magazine was found inside the glove compartment.
Hours after the shooting, around 5:00 a.m., police were called to an Extended Stay hotel in Castleton regarding an intoxicated man who was unable to exit an Uber. Officers identified the man as Inman.
A SWAT team was deployed to serve a search warrant on Inman’s hotel room, leading to his arrest. During questioning, Inman allegedly admitted to a physical altercation and a struggle over a firearm but claimed he was unaware that any shots had been fired.
Because of a prior conviction for domestic battery, Inman is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, resulting in enhanced charges. Prosecutors have requested a higher-than-standard bond given his criminal history.
Inman has been booked on the following charges: battery with a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony; theft while using a firearm, a Level 5 felony; and unlawful handgun possession, a Level 5 felony; auto theft, a Level 6 felony; and criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor.
Inman is currently being held at the Marion County Adult Detention Center.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
