Crime
Video shows moments shots fired during Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany
Authorities have identified a suspect as a Black male with dreadlocks wearing a red hoodie.
UPDATE: 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.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
New Albany, Indiana – A tragic 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 one person died at the scene, while two others were transported to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Authorities have identified a suspect as a Black male with dreadlocks wearing a red hoodie.
He is believed to be armed and dangerous and remains at large.
The festival shares a parking lot with the YMCA, which can be seen in the background of a photo taken at the scene.
Hundreds of children were attending the festival and were exposed to the trauma of the shooting, which occurred just after 9:50 PM near State Street and Black Street. Parents and other festival-goers were also deeply affected by the incident.
This tragic event highlights the vulnerability of large public gatherings and the potential for violence to occur even in seemingly safe environments. The shooting occurred within the context of the festival, making everyone present an opportune target.
The New Albany Police Department (NAPD) is urging anyone with information about the suspect or the shooting to contact them at 812-944-6411.
Crime
34-year-old Augusta Fireman Spencer Johnson charged in accidental shooting of his 3-year-old son in Harlem
Johnson, a decorated firefighter from Augusta, was arrested on Friday.
A Columbia County father, Spencer Allen Johnson, 34, of Harlem, Georgia, has been charged with child cruelty after his 3-year-old son, Evan Johnson, accidentally shot himself in the shoulder with an unsecured firearm.
According to authorities, the incident occurred Thursday night when the child accessed an unsecured firearm in his father’s bedroom.
The young boy, left unsupervised, discharged the weapon, resulting in a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Fortunately, the child is expected to make a full recovery.
Johnson, a decorated firefighter from Augusta, was arrested on Friday.
He faces charges of child cruelty stemming from criminal negligence, which authorities allege caused “excessive physical pain” to his son through neglectful supervision. He is currently being held at the Columbia County Detention Center with bond set at $10,100.
The Harlem Police Department did not initially release information about the shooting. However, as rumors of the incident spread on social media, the situation was later confirmed by both WGAC’s Austin Rhodes and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office late Friday evening.
Early Saturday morning, Harlem Police Chief issued a statement on the department’s Facebook page, stating that the case remains under investigation as new details emerge.
The Chief’s statement suggests that the full circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being determined.
In his booking photo, Johnson is seen wearing an anti-suicide smock, a standard precautionary measure taken in some detention facilities.
The incident has sparked discussions about gun safety and parental responsibility. Authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation unfolds.
Meanwhile, the Columbia County community remains concerned about ensuring proper firearm storage to prevent similar tragedies.