Detectives with the IMPD Robbery Unit have arrested a teenage male for the attempted robbery and shooting of Gary Bravard, 58. Bravard was taken to the hospital after he was shot walking home on the Monon Trail in Nora Thursday afternoon around 4:30 p.m.
"He was walking south on the mono trail when he was approached by these two black males who appeared to be juveniles," IMPD Officer Catherine Cummings said.
According to police, the teens tried to rob Bravard.
"When he didn't comply he was shot. The two black males fled north on the Monon Trail," Cummings said.
The shooting shutdown the trail for a while Thursday afternoon as the investigation was completed. The Monon opened a few hours later.
Jeremiah Jaecques walks the Monon and was surprised to hear what happened.
"Always like to think things like that happen other places," Jaecques said.
Gretchen Watko also uses the trail.
"I'm very surprised and glad that I wasn't on the Monon with my children. It's scary that it happened in broad daylight," Watko said.
Bravard was taken to Methodist Hospital in stable but good condition.
Police made an arrest in the shooting after a teenager ran to a nearby home shortly after the shooting, which just happened to be the home of an off-duty police officer. The teen told the officer he had just witnessed a shooting, however, the police officer became suspicious of the teen's story. The teen was arrested due to that suspicious story along with evidence collected at the scene.
The second person involved was later identified as a witness. That 16-year-old and his mother met with detectives Friday and are fully cooperating in the investigation.
Police also said Friday that the firearm used in the shooting was found near the crime scene and has since been recovered.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard (R) issued a statement following the news of the suspect's arrest:
"I want to acknowledge the fine police work by IMPD in the quick arrest of a suspect and recovery of the suspected weapon used in this violent act. The hard work of our police officers and quick results send a strong message that we will find those who commit acts of violence in our community."
Friday, the trail was busy with walkers, runners, and cyclists, who didn't seem fazed by yesterday's incident.
"I don't walk on the Monon alone," Carol Barnes said. "So when I ride, I feel safe during the day. It's not going to keep me from using the Monon."
Some folks were even defiant.
"It doesn't scare me," said Paul Hill during a stroll on the trail. "I'm still going to come here anyway. I don't care. I'm not going to be intimidated by this."
Overall, Police said the Monon is safe. So far this year, yesterday's incident was the first serious crime.
In 2010, there were two assaults, two armed robberies and in 2009, just three assaults, and four robberies.
About 1.4 million people use the Monon each year and police said that makes it a statistically safe area. They did say they want you to be smart.
"The Monon is a park and like other city parks, it's closed from dawn 'til dusk," Jackson said. "It's a good idea to stick to daylight hours."
