Man robbed, shot while trimming trees for neighbor

INDIANAPOLIS, (WISH) — A man trying to help out a friend was robbed and shot Friday while trimming trees. The suspect is still on the loose. It happened on the 1800 block of Audubon Drive on the city’s east side around 8:15 a.m.

It’s an example of a no-win situation for the victim. According to police, he did what he was asked and was shot anyway.

Carole Bull was inside her home when she heard the first shot fired, “Then it was a few more minutes, then I heard another one.”

Bull’s friend, who authorities have not identified, was removing tree limbs from her yard following Thursday’s storm. She didn’t know he was coming over, but believes he was paying her back in work for money that he borrowed.

“That’s what he does for a business is cut down trees and he’s really good at it,” she said.

According to police, while he was removing debris a young man approached him at gun point and demanded money. The victim handed over his wallet, but the suspect shot him in the abdomen.

“Unbelievable. Unbelievable that somebody would do that,” Bull said.

Police say the suspect left the area right away. The victim drove himself home, about a mile away. He was alert and taken to Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital in serious condition. Investigators are relying on public tips to solve the crime. If you have any information that could help, call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS. Tipsters can remain anonymous.