A weekend marked by high-profile community events like WWE’s Wrestlepalooza and the Midwest Fest car show was tragically marred by a series of violent incidents, including an officer-involved shooting and a separate shooting that left three people injured, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).
The violence unfolded on the evening of Sept. 20 and into the wee hours, casting a shadow over a time many residents had anticipated for a safe, city-wide celebration. IMPD investigators spent the weekend responding to multiple serious calls, leading to multiple arrests.
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey spoke about the “senseless” acts on Sept. 22.
“No community should have to endure the level of violence we witnessed in the past 48 hours,” Bailey said. “First and foremost, our hearts are with the victims, their families, our officers and anyone impacted by this weekend’s violence. Their pain is why we do this work and we cannot accept this behavior as normal.”
City-County Council Majority Leader Maggie Lewis responded to the weekend’s incidents.
“I am deeply saddened and angered by the extreme violence that occurred last night across our city, including within District 5,” Lewis said in a statement. “My heart goes out to all families whose lives have been forever changed by these senseless acts. Losing a loved one to violence leaves families with profound grief and unanswered questions. To those affected, please know that our community stands with you during this difficult time.”
The first major incident began just before 6:30 p.m., when IMPD North District officers were dispatched to a business at 2425 East 38th Street on a report of a disturbance involving a person armed with a weapon. According to preliminary IMPD reports, a caller told dispatchers that an individual was inside a restaurant, threatening employees while armed with a firearm.
Uniformed officers arrived on the scene minutes later and encountered the suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Brian Edwards. Officers first spoke with an employee who reported that Edwards had threatened to kill her and confirmed he was armed.
When officers returned to confront Edwards, a physical struggle ensued. During the altercation, a firearm was discharged inside the business, prompting an officer-involved shooting. Edwards was not struck by the gunfire but fled the scene. Officers pursued him into a nearby alley and took him into custody without further incident.
IMPD reported that at least one uninvolved vehicle parked nearby was struck by gunfire during the incident. No community members or officers were injured.
In a separate incident hours later, IMPD officers responded to a report of a person shot in the 5600 block of Georgetown Road. Upon arrival, officers located three victims with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. All three were transported to local hospitals for treatment; their conditions were not immediately released.
IMPD quickly detained at least one person of interest at the scene. By Sept. 23, IMPD aggravated assault detectives announced the arrest of 21-year-old Carlos Contreras in connection with the shooting.
According to an IMPD update, several officers arrived at the scene and, with the help of cooperative witnesses, obtained a description of the suspect and a vehicle. The vehicle was spotted almost immediately attempting to flee the area. After a brief vehicle pursuit, Contreras was taken into custody. He was arrested on preliminary charges of criminal recklessness, possession of a machine gun, resisting law enforcement, and three counts of attempted murder.
“I want to be clear – guns are not the solution to anything,” Bailey said. “When someone chooses to bring a firearm into a conflict, that decision carries consequences, often tragedies. Each one of us must take responsibility for the choices we make because those choices can cost lives, including your own.”
The violence starkly contrasted the planned festivities that drew thousands to Indianapolis over the same weekend. Events like Wrestlepalooza at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Midwest Fest car show were intended to offer family-friendly entertainment and an economic boost to the city. Instead, the sound of gunfire and police sirens interrupted the celebratory atmosphere in parts of the city, leaving multiple people dead, injured and residents concerned.
IMPD has stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community from either incident and that investigations are progressing. The department emphasized its commitment to transparency, noting the use of body-worn cameras in the officer-involved shooting and the rapid response to the Georgetown Road shooting.
Lewis called for “community cooperation” to bring those responsible to justice.
“While we mourn today, we must also come together as a community to address the root causes of violence and support one another,” Lewis said. “Our city’s strength lies in our unity and our commitment to protecting all residents. We will not let violence define us.”
As families enjoyed the spectacles of professional wrestling and classic cars, the incidents served as a somber reminder of the public safety work continuing in the background. The arrests, while swift, offer little consolation to a community yearning for peaceful celebrations.
“I want the community to hear this. Your life is worth more than a moment of anger,” Bailey said. “Your neighbor’s life is worth more than that.”
IMPD urges anyone with additional information about either case to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS.
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