Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis police arrested a second suspect Thursday in connection with a shots-fired incident that disrupted New Year’s celebrations in the city’s downtown district.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), Downtown District Violent Crimes Task Force detectives arrested 36-year-old Paul Milton earlier today on a warrant related to gunfire reported just after midnight on New Year’s Day. The incident occurred in a parking lot near the first block of East Washington Street, an area crowded with people celebrating the holiday.
IMPD said officers assigned to New Year’s Eve public safety operations heard gunshots shortly after midnight on Wednesday, January 1, and quickly detained several individuals at the scene, including Milton and Claude Sanders. During the initial investigation, officers recovered three firearms, one spent shell casing, and suspected cocaine, police said.
Sanders was arrested that night and later charged by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office with criminal recklessness and possession of cocaine.
During follow-up investigations, detectives located video footage allegedly showing two men—believed to be Sanders and Milton—firing handguns into the air. Based on that evidence, prosecutors charged Milton with criminal recklessness and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, citing a prior rape conviction that legally prohibits him from possessing a firearm.
Police said Milton was located and arrested near 1300 Norton Avenue on Indianapolis’ southeast side on Thursday, January 8, with assistance from IMPD bike unit officers.
“A charge is merely an accusation,” police emphasized, noting that both Sanders and Milton should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
IMPD Downtown District Commander Shane Foley said officers acted swiftly to protect the public and hold those responsible accountable, stressing that celebratory gunfire puts lives at risk.
The case remains under investigation.
Case Number: IP260000001
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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