Crime
Victim killed in shooting at Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany identified as 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach
Chief Bailey emphasized that Gerlach and two others were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
New Albany, Indiana – A devastating shooting incident occurred during the Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany on Saturday night, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.
The shooting took place just after 9:50 PM near the intersection of State Street and Black Street, close to the festival rides.
New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed that an 18-year-old from Corydon, Bryce Gerlach, was tragically killed in the shooting.
Two other victims, a 22-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, were also wounded and remain hospitalized.
Chief Bailey confirmed that all three victims were innocent bystanders who were not involved in the dispute that led to the shooting.
Multiple gunshots were reported at 9:53 PM in the area of State and Black streets, as well as near the carnival and ride area of the festival.
Witnesses have indicated that there were likely multiple shooters firing from different locations, possibly at least two.
Investigators initially believed the shots were fired from the area behind the Scribner House and from the parking lot of the Floyd County YMCA.
However, they now believe there may have been another shooter within the carnival area.
The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between at least two groups of individuals, all described as Black males in their late teens to early 20s. Following the incident, all suspects fled the scene.
The police chief noted that despite the proximity of multiple employees, police officers, and security personnel to the shooting area, they were able to quickly initiate life-saving measures for the injured.
Several “persons of interest” have been identified, but further details about them are unavailable as the investigation continues.
Chief Bailey emphasized that the suspects should still be considered at large and pose a risk to the public. He described their actions as reckless and dangerous, and urged the community to remain vigilant.
As soon as positive identifications are made, the police department will release that information publicly.
Authorities have confirmed that the deadly shooting at Brown University occurred inside a first-floor classroom within the Barus and Holley Engineering Building. Investigators believe all 11 victims were students.
Two individuals were pronounced dead, while the remaining victims were transported to area hospitals.
One additional victim was later confirmed to have sustained injuries from bullet fragments and is expected to make a full recovery.
According to Providence Police, the suspect fled the building immediately after the shooting, exiting onto Hope Street and then moving toward the Waterman Street area.
More than six hours after the incident, the suspect remains at large.
Officials stated that there is no interior surveillance footage of the shooter inside the Barus and Holley building.
Authorities have also been unable to determine how the suspect initially entered the building or precisely where he went after fleeing the scene.
Police described the suspect as a male, possibly in his 30s, dressed in black.
Investigators are also reviewing video evidence that may show the suspect wearing a camouflage-style face covering, though that detail has not yet been fully confirmed.
The incident unfolded shortly after 4:20 p.m., when Brown University issued an emergency alert warning of an active shooter near the Barus and Holley Engineering Building.
Students, faculty, staff, and nearby residents were instructed to shelter in place, lock doors, silence mobile devices, and remain hidden.
The alert emphasized standard emergency guidance: evacuate only if it was safe to do so, hide if evacuation was not possible, and take defensive action only as a last resort.
At approximately 5:27 p.m., the university issued a follow-up alert reporting additional shots fired near Governor Street, about two blocks from the original scene.
Minutes later, the Providence Police Department confirmed that multiple people had been shot in the area surrounding the campus.
During an evening news conference, Providence Deputy Police Chief Tim OโHara said investigators believe a firearm was used in the attack, though no weapon has been recovered and the type of firearm remains unknown.
Police confirmed there was no direct interaction between officers and the suspect, who fled on foot before law enforcement arrived.
Authorities also addressed reports of a separate police confrontation involving gunfire several blocks away.
Officials clarified that while that incident initially led to reports of a suspect being detained, investigators have not established a confirmed connection between that encounter and the Brown University shooting.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed that no suspect is currently in custody and emphasized that Brown University officials, the Providence Police Department, and the FBI are working in close coordination to locate the individual responsible.
The Barus and Holley Engineering Building, constructed in 1965, houses classrooms, laboratories, offices, and lecture halls for the universityโs engineering and physics departments and was occupied at the time due to scheduled exams.
As of the latest update, the shelter-in-place order remains in effect.
Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid the area while the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials have not released identifying information about the victims, citing respect for the families and the active nature of the investigation.