Crime
Block party shooting in Indiana leaves 1 dead, 19 injured
"We are heartbroken to learn of this terrible incident, and our deepest condolences go to the families of the young man who was killed and everyone who was injured," the city of Muncie said
July 31, 2023 9:22am
Updated: July 31, 2023 9:22am
A shooting at a block party in Indiana in the early hours of Sunday left at least one person dead and 19 others injured, authorities reported.
Police responded to a 911 call reporting multiple people shot near S. Hackley Street and E. Willard Street in the town of Muncie at around 1:14 a.m.
Soon after arriving at the scene, the police determined that there was no active threat. However, they encountered “multiple” gunshot victims, many of which were critically injured.
“Due to the number of victims and nature of the incident, multiple agencies were contacted to assist,” the City of Muncie said in a press release. Among the agencies that arrived to assist were police officers from the neighboring town of Eaton.
Police did not confirm the number of individuals that were injured during the shooting.
However, representatives of the Indiana Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie told The Associated Press that 19 individuals related to the shooting were being treated at the hospital’s emergency department.
Four victims were transferred by medical helicopter to other medical facilities, reported Star Press.
The individual who died was identified as 30-year-old Joseph E. Bonner III, according to the Delaware County Coroner.
Police have not released any details about the events that led to the shooting. No arrests have been made.
“It is too early in the investigation for me to say much,” Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman wrote in a statement. “I can say that I have been in contact with the Muncie Chief of Police, and I continue to get updates on the investigation.
"There are far too many guns on the street, and I certainly question the wisdom of someone having a huge outdoor party with several hundred people, including juveniles, carrying on into the early morning hours.”
Eaton Police Chief Jay Turner called the incident a “mass shooting.” The incident is being investigated by authorities.
"We are heartbroken to learn of this terrible incident, and our deepest condolences go to the families of the young man who was killed and everyone who was injured," the city said.
