IMPD Urges Parents to Hold Teens Accountable

Police in Indianapolis asked parents to check their children's phones, bedrooms, and belongings after a violent weekend involving teens.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Violence

IMPD Urges Parents to Hold Teens Accountable

Live Poll

Do you regularly check your child's phone and belongings for safety concerns?

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department urged parents to hold children accountable after a drive-by shooting injured two teens and an armed carjacking led to the arrest of five teens. IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson said parents should check phones, bedrooms, and belongings for narcotics or firearms.

Why it matters

Juvenile involvement in violence in Indianapolis is a growing share of homicides and nonfatal shootings even as overall totals fall. Police say parental oversight is part of addressing the trend.

IMPD reports 32 juvenile nonfatal shooting victims ages 0-17 from January 1 to November 9, 2026, down from 47 in the same period of 2025 and 73 in 2022. Five teens were arrested in the armed carjacking, while charges and court dates for the drive-by shooting suspects were not stated.

The players

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD)

The primary city law enforcement agency responsible for policing Indianapolis and responding to the weekend shootings and carjacking.

Tommy Thompson

An IMPD officer who publicly urged parents to check their children's phones, bedrooms, and belongings for narcotics or firearms.

The details

Police said a drive-by shooting injured two teens over the weekend, and an armed carjacking led to the arrest of five teens. IMPD officers urged parents and guardians to reach out to available resources, and officers will help direct them to the right avenue.

Weekend before November 9, 2026: drive-by shooting injures two teens and armed carjacking leads to five arrests.
Monday, November 9, 2026: IMPD publicly urges parents to hold children accountable.

Seasonal Patterns

IMPD's juvenile nonfatal shooting victim counts fell from 73 in 2022 to 32 in 2026 through November 9, a sustained multi-year decline. Even as totals drop, the share of juveniles involved as victims or suspects in homicides and nonfatal shootings is rising.

Indianapolis parents are being asked to check their children's phones, bedrooms, and belongings for narcotics or firearms. Parents and guardians can reach out to IMPD resources, and officers will help direct them to the right avenue.

The takeaway

Parents who check their children's phones, bedrooms, and belongings may catch early warning signs of weapons or narcotics before they lead to violence. IMPD says it will help families find the right support when they ask.