Another short-term rental party turns violent: 12-year-old shot and 2 jailed over drugs
A party on the east side over the weekend led to drug dealing-related arrests and a shooting that injured a 12-year-old, becoming the latest event at a short-term rental property in Indianapolis turning violent.
In all, two adults have been jailed and police rounded up more than two dozen party attendees — many juveniles —amid the chaos early Sunday that culminated in the boy’s shooting.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers said the two people arrested hosted the party, which was advertised on Instagram. Usif Muhammad, 18, and Peyton Minor, 19, face preliminary charges including marijuana possession, furnishing alcohol to a minor, maintaining a common nuisance and minor possession of alcohol.
Indianapolis crime: Big parties at short-term rentals becoming tall problem Indy police want you to help solve
The investigation into who fired the shots is ongoing.
The party, and shooting, was just one part of a violent weekend in the city that saw at least 23 people shot across 18 separate incidents of gunfire. Two of the victims were children who became injured after getting ahold of a firearm and accidentally firing.
The violence spree sparked outcry from Indianapolis’ police chief and mayor.
“What we saw this weekend is not what Indianapolis is about,” said Chief Randal Taylor in a video address. “Our residents deserve much better than what happened. Our families deserve better and our children certainly deserve better.”
Parties a problem in Indianapolis
IMPD’s Nuisance Abatement detectives are seeking the public’s help identifying the organizers/promoters of events involving potential illegal activity which are occurring at short-term rental properties. Recently, we had a 12-year-old child shot when going to one of these events. pic.twitter.com/DvMRgSnx4y
— IMPD (@IMPDnews) June 13, 2023
Large-scale parties at short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, have become a problem in Indianapolis with the events often leading to drugs and underage drinking. The parties are often promoted on social media with an open invite.
“This isn’t a couple of high school kids who got together while mom and dad are out of town and raided the liquor cabinet,” Capt. Chris Boomershine, of Commercial Crimes, previously told IndyStar. “This is basically an enterprise business.”
A preliminary probable cause affidavit said police found the party promoted on Minor’s Instagram page. Muhammad during interviews with police said his cousin owns the home and uses it as a short-term rental.
In the worst cases, the parties will evolve to gun violence, such as this weekend.
According to police, officers responded to the shooting after gunshots were reported near the 8000 block of East Washington Street. Responding police found the 12-year-old with a gunshot wound. He was walking to the party located around the corner on Devon Avenue. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services took him to Riley Hospital for Children, where he was reported to be in stable condition.
About 25 party attendees, many of them minors, were detained by police.
Detectives in court records say they found marijuana at the home and live rounds in the driveway.
Court documents state the shooting happened at an Airbnb rental, but the company says it doesn't have a property at the location.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will determine final charges against Muhammad and Minor.
Airbnb bans open-invite parties and provides a 24-hour Neighborhood Support Line for residents to report disruptive events.
Police are further asking Indianapolis residents with information about these parties at short-term rental properties to contact the department’s Nuisance and Abatement unit by email at IMPD_NuisanceAbatement@indy.gov.
Contact the reporter at 317-503-7514
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis police: Shooting of 12-year-old stemmed from party
