INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)–Two juveniles were arrested Tuesday afternoon after Indianapolis police say they fled from a stolen vehicle and were later found hiding in the area.

Just after 2:30 p.m. Sept. 8, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were searching for a recently stolen vehicle in the 6800 block of East 21st Street when an officer with the department’s Criminal Interdiction Unit used automated license plate reader technology to locate the vehicle nearby, according to IMPD.

As officers moved to stop the vehicle, two male suspects reportedly got out and ran. Police said one of the suspects was armed with a handgun.

Officers established a perimeter and brought in additional resources, including an IMPD drone and K9, as they searched for the suspects.

Police said officers later located both juveniles. One was taken into custody after officers caught up with him in a residential area. The second was found hiding in an overgrown area, according to IMPD.

That suspect did not comply with officers’ commands, police said, and officers used less-lethal rounds to take him into custody.

During the search, detectives recovered two 9mm handguns. IMPD said one of the firearms was confirmed stolen. The vehicle was also confirmed to be stolen and was recovered.

The juveniles were arrested on preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle. Because the suspects are juveniles, additional information about their identities was not released.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decision.

IMPD credited its Criminal Interdiction Unit, East District officers, K9 team and detectives for coordinating the response and bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A person died Tuesday night after being hit by a vehicle on the city’s southwest side, police said.

Medics and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck at 9:38 p.m. Tuesday in the 5300 block of West Southport Road. That’s in an area with homes on large plots of land west of Mann Road and the White River.

Police arrived to find the person hit by the vehicle and confirmed the person died at the scene.

Police said their information was preliminary as the investigation was ongoing.

No additional details about the identity of the person or the driver were immediately available.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indianapolis man admitted Tuesday to causing a 2023 crash that killed a 20-year-old and injured another woman.

As part of a plea agreement in Marion Superior Court, Bradley Woods pleaded guilty to three counts including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, reckless homicide, and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.

The crash happened on Dec. 23, 2023, at East Southport Road and Little Oak Lane. Woods admitted in court Tuesday that he did not stay at the scene, did not help those injured, and did not call 911.

Prosecutors dismissed all remaining counts including drunk driving charges.

“That part makes me really angry,” said Nina May, the mother of Avery May, the 20-year-old killed in the crash. “It makes me really angry when I found out that blood draw wasn’t obtained that night.”

Woods faces a 15-year sentence with a 10-year cap on prison time. Avery’s mother hopes Woods spends time behind bars.

“If he receives 10 years, I would walk out of the court system feeling pretty good with that,” May said. “If he doesn’t get any prison time, I’ll be highly disappointed, and then I will feel revictimized.”

Rylee White, the girlfriend injured in the crash, has mostly recovered but still has pain. May says the guilty plea is a step forward.

“There’s definitely relief that there’s been a guilty plea in the whole situation makes me feel like some accountability is being brought to justice,” May said.

A judge will sentence Woods on Oct. 19.

In a related case, Paige Woods is charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly removing Bradley Woods’ blood from the scene.

Statement

“It is the responsibility of all parties involved in a crash to remain on scene. In this case, Woods chose to walk away from the scene. IMPD crash investigators worked with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office throughout the investigation to secure charges.

“IMPD takes compliance with established policies and procedures seriously. If potential violations of department policy are identified, the facts and circumstances are reviewed, and officers are held accountable for their actions.

“Our thoughts remain with Avery May’s family and everyone touched by this tragic crash.”

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) – Police in Anderson are investigating the death of a woman found in a swimming pool.

The Anderson Police Department says police responded to a call just past 2 a.m. Sept. 8 for a woman found unresponsive in a swimming pool on Southview Drive in Anderson. Officers and emergency medical crews on scene say she was pronounced dead upon their arrival.

The Madison County Coroner’s Office is working on an autopsy to figure out the official cause and manner of death, but no foul play is suspected. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the investigation as we learn more.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A record number of Indiana school districts are asking voters to approve property tax increases this November to close budget shortfalls caused by recent state tax relief legislation.

The surge in referenda follows the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 1. While the law aimed to lower property taxes for homeowners after values climbed following the pandemic, it reduced the revenue schools rely on for daily operations. Many districts are now asking voters to restore those funds.

The stakes vary by community. In the Lowell area of Lake County, district officials warned that failing to pass the tax increase would result in the elimination of bus service for students across three townships. Other districts reported that a rejection could lead to staffing cuts and larger class sizes.

“I think it would be up to the districts to communicate what those cuts might look like,” Amelia Pack-Harvey of Chalkbeat Indiana said. She noted that many families would likely see the impact of a failed vote immediately.

The requests come as taxpayers struggle with inflation. Costs for groceries, gasoline, and farming supplies have climbed significantly, leading to organized opposition. The group Americans for Prosperity has launched a website to help residents coordinate efforts against the property tax increases.

“The cost of doing business as a farmer, the cost of running your household has just increased,” Pack-Harvey said, noting that some residents who previously supported schools are now hesitant because of their own financial constraints.

LYNN (WISH) A Winchester woman has been charged with murder in the death of a town marshal killed during a police chase through Randolph County.

Maci Marquelle Atkinson, 34, was charged Sept. 8 in connection with the July 29 death of Lynn Town Marshal Bradley Fisher, according to online court records.

Fisher, a 27-year member of the Lynn Police Department, was struck and killed while deploying stop sticks at U.S. 36 and U.S. 27 near Lynn.

What happened

According to a probable cause affidavit, the morning began around 6:30 a.m. when Atkinson’s father reported his Chevrolet work van stolen from Ridgeville.

Around 8:30 a.m., a Randolph County sheriff’s deputy spotted the van near County Road 400 West and County Road 50 South. Atkinson initially pulled over but when the deputy got out and told her to step out of the van, she fled.

The affidavit says Atkinson drove at speeds up to 90 mph, blew through stop signs, and at one point gave the deputy the middle finger.

At around 8:37 a.m., Fisher radioed dispatch that he was going to deploy his stop sticks. He positioned his patrol truck along U.S. 36 and set them out as Atkinson approached.

That’s when she struck him, court document say. The van kept going, lost control, and eventually hit a dump truck, ending the chase.

Fisher was taken to Ascension St. Vincent Randolph Hospital in Winchester, where he died from his injuries.

After the crash, Atkinson kept resisting. When deputies told her to show her hands, she responded, “Make me,” according to the affidavit. Deputies eventually used a taser on her. She also swung a sharp object at a deputy before being handcuffed.

What she told investigators

During interviews with police, Atkinson said she left the Fort Wayne facility because she “wanted to get some sleep, and comfort” and planned to go back. She said she found her dad’s keys in the van and took it.

When the deputy tried to pull her over, she said she panicked.

“I was just driving, that’s all I was doing, I really didn’t have no destination,” she told investigators.

Atkinson said she thought Fisher jumped in front of her van.

When asked about consenting to medical records, she said she would fail and that records would show she was under the influence when she claimed she wasn’t. She said heroin was her drug of choice but that she had done a hit of meth “just to feel some relief.”

A toxicology report came back positive for fentanyl, methadone, amphetamine, and meth. No alcohol was detected.

At the end of her interview, Atkinson said: “I’m just mad at myself that I took an innocent life, not intentionally, and I deserve to spend the rest of my life behind bars.”

Criminal history

Court records show Atkinson already faced multiple pending charges before July 29, including unlawful possession of a syringe, battery, possession of narcotics and marijuana, resisting law enforcement, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and operating a vehicle while in possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance. She pleaded guilty to false informing in 2020.

The charges

Atkinson faces eight counts:

• Murder
• Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, causing death or catastrophic injury to a first responder
• Attempted aggravated battery creating a substantial risk of death
• Causing death while operating a vehicle with a Schedule I or II controlled substance in the body
• Resisting law enforcement while using or displaying a weapon
• Criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon
• Auto theft
• Unlawful possession of a syringe

Fisher was 50. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter. He spent 27 years with the police department. He was also a captain in the fire department, managed the town’s streets, and coached the Randolph Southern baseball team to its only sectional championship in 2010.

Previous coverage

• ‘A town hero’: Community says goodbye to Lynn town marshal killed in the line of duty
• Hundreds gather to honor fallen Indiana town marshal at vigil
• Community pays respects for Lynn town marshal killed in police pursuit

INDIANAPOLIS — The heat is back in Central Indiana, with temperatures surging to the 90s for the middle of the week.

Today

The heat is back, and you’re going to feel it this afternoon. Temperatures climb into the upper 80s across the northeast part of our area, but temps could surge to the mid 90s across southwestern portions of central Indiana. Factor in the humidity that’s moving back in, and it’s going to feel like the lower to mid 90s for most of us.

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies and warm. Overnight lows only drop into the upper 60s to low 70s.

Tomorrow

Wednesday is going to be the hottest day of the week. Highs reach the low to mid 90s across central Indiana, but here’s what really matters for you: the heat index. We’re talking upper 90s to low 100s during the afternoon hours.

Late Wednesday, we’re also tracking the potential for strong thunderstorms. A few storms could pop up during the afternoon, but the better chance arrives Wednesday evening as a cold front approaches from the north. Some of these storms could pack damaging winds.

Wednesday Night into Thursday

Rain and thunderstorms continue Wednesday night and into Thursday as that cold front slowly sags south across our area.

The main concern is heavy rainfall and localized flooding. We could see one to two inches of rain, with some spots picking up even more, especially along and south of I-70.

Friday

The front pushes south, high pressure moves in from the Great Lakes, and we dry out. More importantly, it’s going to feel a lot more comfortable. Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s with lower humidity.

7-Day Forecast

This Weekend: We can’t keep the dry weather around for long. Moisture creeps back in on Saturday, bringing the chance for isolated to scattered storms Saturday and Sunday. It won’t be a washout, but you’ll want to keep an eye on the radar if you have outdoor plans. Highs in the mid to upper 80s. Same thing applies to the Sunday forecast. Many dry hours/areas, but a few downpours possible.

SOUTH BEND (WISH) — A massive overnight fire at a construction site forced residents out of a nearby apartment complex just after midnight.

The South Bend Fire Department said crews responded to the Stadium Flats apartment development, which is currently under construction, to find heavy fire.

The department said a crane was fully engulfed. The conditions upgraded the response to a second alarm, bringing nearly every available unit to the scene.

The fire sent embers and debris into the surrounding area, but crews managed to keep the flames from spreading.

The neighboring Diamond View Apartments were evacuated due to their proximity to the fire. Several windows on the top floor were damaged by the heat. The South Bend Cubs Performance Center, located across the street, was also threatened but spared.

SBFD is helping displaced residents while officials assess the condition of the crane and determine when it’s safe to return home.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) —  Local faith leaders held a press conference outside the City-Council building Monday afternoon, calling on Mayor Joe Hogsett to take a more active role in responding to federal immigration enforcement in the city.

While the leaders acknowledge the city cannot control federal enforcement, they say Hogsett can provide more support for immigrant families in Indianapolis.

“We want to see more support for the community, other than just posting statements,” Darrell Brooks, pastor of New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church said.

LiveFree Indiana, joined by members of the Black Church Coalition and Indy Action Coalition, is directing the message at the mayor.

“We asked the Hogsett administration for their plan. There was no plan,” Aaron Hobbs, senior pastor at Broadway United Methodist Church, said.

“This is unacceptable. Indianapolis deserves more. Our neighbors deserve more,” Annettra Jones, senior pastor of Scott United Methodist Church, said.

The group says recent immigration enforcement has created fear and uncertainty for many families. Brooks said local organizations and churches are working together to help.

“To provide food for people who were afraid to go to the grocery store, and they were afraid to even come up and pick up the food, so those who didn’t come up to pick up the food, we delivered it to them,” Brooks said.

Brooks said that is one example of how the mayor can support the community.

“I’d like to see events in the community to help teach people how to respond if ICE shows up in their neighborhood community. So folks know their rights and know who to reach out to in the event that someone does get taken from their families or they witness something so that folks understand how to be observers to these situations,” Adam Pierce, associate rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, said.

The group also suggested the city pause the use of Flock and other surveillance technologies until it is clear who has access to local systems.

Last week, Hogsett issued a statement about the lack of transparency and communication from federal authorities regarding ICE activity in Indianapolis. He also provided contact information for resources. The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The faith leaders hope city leadership will meet with them soon to develop a response plan.

“It would behoove he and his office to reach out to us, and we’ll continue to reach out to them as well. Here recently, we’ve reached out, and we really haven’t gotten the responses that we’ve gotten in the past,” Brooks said.

BOONVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — The University of Evansville is mourning the loss of a student-athlete who was killed in a car crash Sunday night.

Wabash Valley Athletics shared the news on Monday in a social media post, announcing the passing of sophomore basketball player Jordan Scott, who transferred to UE after playing a year at Wabash Valley College. The guard played in 27 games with 26 starts as a freshman for the Warriors.

Sgt. Jacobs of the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office told News 8 that Scott was driving on State Road 62 near Franz Road around 12:42 a.m. EST when she crashed into a utility pole. Jacobs describes that area of roads as “very curvy.”

Jacobs says one witness saw the vehicle leave the road on a sharp curve, hit the pole, and come to rest on its side in a tree line. Police say there was “severe damage” to her vehicle and that she died at the scene.

She was the only passenger in the vehicle.

Police believe speed played a role in the crash and believe her car went airborne.

Scott graduated from Castle High School in 2025, where she earned four varsity letters under Head Coach Bobby Meier. She was majoring in Business with a minor in Sports Management at UE.

According to UE’s athletics website, her younger sister, Jayden Scott, also plays basketball for the university.

Scott was a two-time All-SIAC first-team selection, a two-time All-State Honorable Mention pick, and a first-team All-Metro selection. She played club basketball with Swish City, Pocket City, and IGB Select 40, according to UE’s athletics website.