State Police See Sharp Increase In Indianapolis Interstate Shootings

INDIANAPOLIS — Interstate shootings in Indianapolis are on the rise — and police say it’s largely due to road rage.

“None of the interstate shootings that we have investigated this year are just random shots fired,” said Indiana State Police Sergeant John Perrine. “Most of them begin with a road rage incident.”

According to Sgt. Perrine, in 2018, state police investigated 9 shootings on the interstate in the Indianapolis area. In 2019, there were also 9 shootings on the Indianapolis interstate. In 2020, that number increased all the way to 23 shootings. This year, in 2021, state police are already over 30.

With the holiday weekend fast approaching, many Hoosiers will be on the road traveling. Sgt. Perrine says, before you hit the road, you should plan diligently, and keep a level head.

“We understand that there are aggressive drivers out there. We also understand that people make mistakes while they’re driving,” said Sgt. Perrine. “But we know that cooler heads prevail, and engaging in road rage could potentially lead to a deadly encounter that involves a firearm.”

He adds, if you see a road rage incident, you should report it immediately.

“Even if they’re not directly involved in the road rage, we want them to gather as much information about those vehicles, and report it … so we can dispatch police to them,” said Sgt. Perrine. “We want it stopped before it leads to gunfire.”