By RICHARD ESSEX
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
A 17-year-old is facing attempted murder charges for a shooting at on the Grand Park Campus in Westfield.
Police say it started with an argument between the 17-year-old and a basketball coach.
According to the Dustin Smith, the director of the Pacers Athletic Center, the teen was inside the center to watch a seventh-grade recreational basketball team called the “Outlaws.” He got into an argument with the Outlaws coach, and then pulled a gun and started shooting.
“You feel safe. You are in Westfield, and you know there are so many lights and people,” said Jamie Crittendon of Indianapolis. Crittendon told I-Team 8 she typically drops her son off at the Pacers Athletic Center and comes back later to pick him up.
Video obtained by I-Team 8 showed coaches, players, and parents run for safety just seconds after the shots were fired.
The 17-year-old arrested Tuesday is charged with attempted murder, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief, and unlawful carrying of a handgun.
Police say the 17-year-old fired three rounds in the direction of the coach’s vehicle as the coach left the area, causing damage to four other vehicles. No injuries were sustained. Westfield police arrested the 17-year-old from Indianapolis without any issues.
The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office told I-Team 8 it can’t discuss the case because the suspect is a juvenile. I-Team 8 was told the prosecutor is reviewing the case and could charge the 17-year-old as an adult.
Dustin Smith denied I-Team 8’s Senior Investigative Reporter Richard Essex request for an on-camera interview, but sent a statement:
“There were no incidents in the building, and thankfully no one was injured,” Smith said. “We will continue our efforts to provide a safe experience in our facilities, including a more visible full-time security presence in our buildings. The team involved has been removed from the league, and banned from our facilities.”
Smith told I-Team 8 they have had some heated arguments with players, coaches, and spectators, but this is the first time someone pulled a gun and started shooting.
The 17-year-old suspect is being held in the Hamilton County Detention Center.