Crime
2 Dead, 1 Injured in Indianapolis Shooting That Sparked High-Speed Chase, Two Suspects Apprehended
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A violent and chaotic sequence of events unfolded on the east side of Indianapolis Saturday morning, leaving two people dead, another injured, and ending in a high-speed police pursuit that culminated with a suspect refusing to surrender until he finished smoking a marijuana blunt.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), officers were dispatched to the Carriage House East Apartments around 8:45 a.m. on June 29 in response to reports of a triple shooting.
Upon arrival, police discovered three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite life-saving efforts, two victims succumbed to their injuries, while a third remains hospitalized in unknown condition.
Shortly after the shooting, officers identified a black vehicle fleeing the area at high speed.
A pursuit ensued, with the suspects reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, weaving through traffic and ultimately traveling across the city.
During the pursuit, the suspects’ vehicle struck an ambulance and another civilian vehicle, causing damage but no reported injuries from those collisions.
Police deployed stop sticks in an attempt to end the chase, which concluded when the suspect vehicle crashed into a light pole near the intersection of West 16th Street and North Illinois Street.
One of the suspects exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended by pursuing officers.
The driver of the vehicle, however, reportedly remained inside and refused to exit, telling officers he would not surrender until he finished smoking a blunt.
Officers maintained a perimeter around the crashed vehicle, and the driver eventually complied and was taken into custody without further incident.
Both individuals are now in police custody. IMPD officials confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community and that the investigation remains active.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased victims or the suspects involved.
The IMPD Homicide Unit continues to investigate the motive behind the shooting, and charges against the suspects are expected to be filed in the coming days.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.