10/23/2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Case Number: KPD-26-04805
Released by: Detective Sgt. Drew J. Wallsmith #389
Date of Release: October 23rd, 2026
Follow-up/Contact Person: Detective Sgt. Drew J. Wallsmith #389​
Public Information Officer: Captain Charlie Fourkiller #393
Crime or Subject Released: Shooting Investigation​
Location: 700 block of West Virginia Avenue, Kokomo, IN, 46902 & 1100 block of South Courtland Avenue, Kokomo, IN, 46902
Date/Time of Incident: October 22nd, 2026 @ 4:42AM
On October 22nd, at approximately 4:42AM, patrol officers with the Kokomo Police Department responded to the area of the 700 block of W. Virginia Avenue in reference to a report of an argument with several gunshots heard. Upon arrival, an officer located an 18-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
At the same time, patrol officers encountered a vehicle collision that had occurred in the 1100 block of S. Courtland Avenue. It was learned at that scene that a 2007 Pontiac Vibe was being driven by a 17-year-old juvenile male. While driving northbound on Courtland Avenue, the driver collided into a parked and unoccupied 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. Officers at this scene also found a 16-year old juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds. It is believed that the crash and shooting incidents are related.
The 16-year-old male was immediately transported via ambulance from the scene to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – Indianapolis. The 18 year old male was initially transported via ambulance to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – Kokomo but later transferred via ambulance to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – Indianapolis.
The KPD Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scenes and collected evidence and conducted interviews. Reported stolen fi****ms were located and recovered. Furthermore, it was learned that the 2007 Pontiac Vibe had been stolen earlier in the day.
The 17-year-old male driver was later detained and transported to the Kinsey Youth Center. This male has preliminarily been charged with Auto Theft with Prior Conviction, Level 5 Felony, Dangerous Possession of a Fi***rm by a Child, A-Misdemeanor, and Never Obtaining a Valid Driver’s License, C-Misdemeanor.
At the time of this release, the 16-year-old remains in critical condition. The 18 year old male is in stable condition.
The investigation is still on-going, and anyone with information or recorded video is encouraged to contact the Kokomo Police Department.
Remember, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Drew J. Wallsmith #389 at 765-456-7388 or via email at [email protected]. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip. Tips can also be submitted by utilizing the KPD Tip411 app.
