22-year-old arrested in fatal shooting of Southport High School student
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The victim of a deadly gas station shooting was a Southport High School student.
The shooting happened about 8 p.m. Monday at a gas station on the city’s southeast side, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says. The family says it’s still trying to make sense of the tragedy.
On Tuesday, police arrested a 22-year-old man involved in the shooting. IMPD says it’s not releasing the man’s name yet to protect their investigation.
The man and the Southport student appear to have known one another.
Basheer Alriyalat owns the Jordan’s Fish, Chicken and Gyros near the gas station. “It was ‘everything quiet’ until we heard the shots,” the restaurant owner said.
Alriyalat says he and his 17-year-old son were inside his restaurant when they heard shots being fired. “We did get scared and we tried to stay away from scene of crime,” Alriyalat said.
“Even the emergency people. They come right away and get the guy right away,” Alriyalat said.
An IMPD officer patrolling near 3600 South Keystone Avenue also said she also heard gunshots, according to an IMPD spokeswoman. “She was able to get to that scene quickly and respond. Unfortunately, someone still lost their life in this incident, but that sergeant was out doing exactly what our community wants and exactly what our chief of police expects,” said Officer Samone Burris with IMPD public affairs.
IMPD says the homicide was the city’s 233rd so far this year. In 2020, 245 people lost their lives to violence in Indianapolis.
The IMPD spokeswoman said Tuesday, “One homicide in our city is too much. We cannot say that enough. We cannot stress that enough. A family is devastated. A community is devastated. My officers continue to experience and go through the same trauma that the community is feeling because our officers have to respond to the scene each and every day.”
The Perry Township Schools district declined an interview but issued a statement after the fatal shooting.
“Perry Township Schools has been informed of an incident last night resulting in the death of a Southport High School student. Counseling will be provided to any staff or student affected by this loss, and we are prepared to bring in additional help if necessary.
“Our thoughts, prayers and support are with the friends and family of this Southport High student.”
