Lawmakers adopt penalties for failing to protect monuments
The Indiana Legislature passed a bill Thursday that allows the state to withhold funding to cities that fail to protect public monuments and memorials from vandalism.
Crime
Articles
Senate committee passes legislation to establish regional crime gun task force
The task force would expand on a partnership between the Fishers Police Department and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that officials say has already helped reduce crime in the area.
Indiana police reform bill sails through Senate committee
House Bill 1006 includes provisions for mandatory de-escalation training, misdemeanor penalties for officers who turn off body cameras with intent to conceal, and bans on chokeholds in certain circumstances.
New law cracks down on shell companies to combat corruption
For the first time, shell companies will be required to provide the names of their owners or face stiff penalties and jail sentences. The information will be stored in a confidential database accessible to federal law enforcement and shared with banks.
Neighborhood groups may be scanning your license plate
Homeowners associations across Indianapolis are increasingly partnering with private companies to surveil their neighborhoods with automated license plate readers.
Greenwood man facing 19 charges in $14 million fraud case
Prosecutors say Daniel R. Fruits, 46, defrauded his former employer out of millions of dollars that he spent on real estate, cars, Rolex watches, escort services and other items.
UPDATE: No charges against Indianapolis officer in fatal shooting; evidence shows victim and officer fired shots
The grand jury’s decision not to indict Dejoure Mercer, the Black officer who shot and killed Dreasjon Reed on May 6, was announced Tuesday by special prosecutor Rosemary Khoury. Reed also was Black.
Bill Barr visits Indianapolis to discuss efforts to reduce violent crime
U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr attributed this year’s rise in crime to both the COVID-19 pandemic and to what he described as the “demonization” of law enforcement.
Fire damages, destroys about 20 trucks on Indianapolis lot
A fire that damaged or destroyed about 20 big trucks at a south-side Indianapolis business is being investigated as arson. The blaze was reported about 3:30 a.m. Thursday at M&K Truck Center, 1401 Harding Court. The business said it was offering a $30,000 reward “for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible […]
Deborah Daniels: After a weekend in crisis, city has huge challenges to confront
The most significant theft that has occurred is not that of liquor or merchandise; the looters, by their actions, are stealing the credibility of the good people peacefully protesting a lengthy history of opportunity denied to people of color and those without means.
Pandemic, violence put Indy downtown at crossroads
The one-two punch of the pandemic and protest-related violence raises questions about whether downtown can recover. Experts and community leaders say yes—but only with concerted effort and strong leadership.
Dozens of downtown stores boarded up; workers begin cleaning graffiti from weekend protests
On what would likely be a day of people returning to work, downtown streets were eerily quiet, aside from a few dozen people milling around, taking pictures of the boarded-up stores.
Tony Mason: Why a riot ‘is the language of the unheard’
What we are experiencing in our city, and cities across our country, is the language of pain when people’s spirits are broken and they move beyond hopelessness to outrage.
Nate Feltman: Crimes against innocent people, property cannot be tolerated
We all were taught early that two wrongs don’t make a right. What has happened to our city is inexcusable.
Governor says National Guard available to cities if requested; Guard will protect state properties
Mayor Joe Hogsett said on Sunday he did not think it would be necessary to use the Indiana National Guard to help protect downtown.
Daylight reveals widespread destruction downtown
When the turmoil finally subsided, three people had been shot, with one dead, first-floor glass had been knocked out of dozens of buildings and angry graffiti messages were sprayed across the Mile Square.
Wave of rage and anguish sweeps U.S. cities as protests turn violent
At the epicenter of the national anguish, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, mobilized his state’s entire National Guard for the first time.
Former UAW President Gary Jones charged with corruption
Former UAW President Gary Jones is accused of conspiring with others at the union to embezzle more than $1 million. The court filing against Jones describes a scheme to pocket cash and enjoy luxuries, including $13,000 in cigars.
Former SerVaas Laboratories employee sentenced in $772K fraud case
The long-term employee was sentenced to 27 months in prison after she admitted to stealing from the Indianapolis-based company, which makes the famous Bar Keepers Friend line of cleaning products.
Council Democrats turn down proposal to form special study commission on crime
The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee on Wednesday night voted along party lines to reject the Republican proposal, hours before a shooting on the far-east side left four people dead.