Marion, Indiana – Police have arrested a teen suspect after a juvenile was shot in the head during a violent incident near 2nd and Hill streets, leading to an attempted murder charge. The victim, who survived the gunshot, was taken to a local hospital and later transferred for additional care.
Incident Overview
A juvenile male arrived at a Marion-area hospital around 5:30 p.m. on November 29 with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. According to investigators, the bullet entered the back portion of his head and became lodged under the skin. Police said the victim was awake and had non-life-threatening injuries when he first spoke with officers.
The teen explained that he was sitting inside a car when the gunfire erupted. He told police he heard shots ring out, saw the window next to him shatter, and then felt a sudden impact on the back of his head.
What the Victim Reported
The juvenile stated that after realizing he was hit, he alerted the driver of the vehicle. The driver attempted to flee but struggled because of snow-covered roads and slippery conditions in the area. The victim said the driver then stepped out of the car and reportedly fired several shots in the direction of where the original gunfire came from before rushing him to the hospital.
Police have not confirmed the driver’s identity or whether the shots fired by the driver were lawful or connected to the ongoing investigation.
Evidence Recovered at the Scene
When officers responded to the intersection of 2nd and Hill streets, they located a handgun concealed near a house, which investigators believe may be connected to the shooting. Officers also noted visible footprints in the snow, which they used to track movement from the scene.
According to the Marion Police Department, those tracks led officers to the 600 block of West 2nd Street, where two juvenile males were located and taken in for questioning.
Teen Suspect Arrested
Following interviews and evidence review, police arrested a 16-year-old male on a charge of attempted murder. Because the suspect is a juvenile, his name has not been released. The department did not specify whether additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
A police spokesperson said investigators worked quickly through snowy conditions and witness statements to identify the suspect. More information will be released once authorities complete forensic analysis on the recovered firearm.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
Gun violence involving minors continues to be a growing concern in many Indiana communities. Incidents like this, especially those occurring in residential areas, highlight the risks of illegal firearms, youth disputes escalating to violence, and the dangers posed by severe weather reducing visibility and mobility during emergencies.
Local officials have urged families to encourage communication with teens and to report the presence of illegal firearms when possible. Authorities also remind residents that winter conditions can slow emergency response and complicate investigations by affecting footprints, tire tracks, and other physical evidence.
Status of the Victim
The shot juvenile was transferred to another hospital for further evaluation. No updated condition has been released, but early reports indicated the injuries were not life threatening.
Conclusion
As the investigation develops, police expect to release more details surrounding the motive, the events leading to the shooting, and whether others may be involved. For now, a teen suspect is in custody, and detectives continue to gather evidence related to the violent encounter.
If you live in Marion and witnessed anything around 2nd and Hill streets on November 29, police encourage you to contact the Marion Police Department.
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