Teen shot during Ben Davis HS football game

A Ben Davis High School football game turned violent Friday night after an altercation between teenagers escalated into shots fired. 

A juvenile male was shot in the arm and transported in stable condition to the hospital, according to Wayne Township Superintendent Jeff Butts. An 18-year-old suspect has been identified and arrested by police. 

From @WayneTwpSuper

It is with deep sadness and concern that we share this message with you. Our increased safety and security efforts at the Ben Davis Football Stadium gates continue to improve the safety of all who enter the stadium to cheer on the Giants (1/9)

— Ben Davis High School (@BenDavisHS) October 2, 2021

The incident took place outside the football stadium during the homecoming game against Carmel High School, and spectators were evacuated. 

“The circumstances that transpired tonight were unfortunate,” Ben Davis head football coach Jason Simmons tweeted. “There are a ton of great young people ready to change the world … please let that be the focus as we work towards putting an end to senseless violence.” 

None of the people involved in the incident appear to be current Wayne Township students. Only one has been identified as a former student, according to Butts. 

“I was sickened to see that spirit turn to panic tonight when shots were fired outside Giants Stadium,” Indianapolis City-County Councillor and Ben Davis alum Jared Evans wrote in a statement. “I am angry and frustrated that so many young people seem to believe deadly weapons are the best way to resolve disputes.”

Ben Davis homecoming activities are scheduled to continue throughout the weekend with additional security.

WFYI covers trends in crime and the root causes of and impact of violence throughout the community. We are especially interested in how those trends, causes and impacts interact with the characteristics of race, class, ability, religion, gender and LGBTQ identity.

Contact reporter Carter Barrett at cbarrett@wfyi.org and on Twitter @carter_barrett.