13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Two photographers shot while covering early morning fire

Two photographers shot while covering early morning fire

Rich Van Wyk/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - Two photographers were shot early Friday morning while covering a suspicious house fire on the city's east side.

The fire took place in the 800 block of North Tacoma Avenue. A few hours later, another fire broke out three miles away on Cottage Avenue.

If fighting flames weren't dangerous enough, Indianapolis firefighters now worry they will be fired upon.

"Our equipment is heavy, but it won't stop a bullet," said Battalion Chief David Harris.

Firefighters were getting control of the burning vacant home, when someone fired three shots. The bullets hit two photographers and a firefighter's air tank. The fire is suspicious, and so are investigators.

"Did someone set this fire in an attempt to draw police and fire out there and perpetrate another crime on them?" said Sgt. Paul Thompson, IMPD.

WISH-TV news photographer Kevin Hankins walked from the hospital emergency room with a bullet still in his back. Freelance photographer Tod Parker was shot in the arm. Although released from the hospital, his injury will require surgery.

Street police, homicide detectives and commanders descended on the scene. They believe the shots came from a group of people standing in the alley.

"We are looking for shell casings or any other evidence. The officers then went through the neighborhood checking for anybody hiding," said Sgt. Thompson.

They found no one. Three hours later, three miles away, another vacant home was in flames.

"There was a big old red ball. I had everybody knocking on my door," said Mike Nelson, a neighbor.

Firefighters labored to keep the flames from spreading to neighboring occupied homes, mindful of the shootings that occurred earlier in the day.

"That was was surprise this morning when that occurred. Each time we go out now we are going to guard for situations like that," said Harris.

The Cottage Ave. fire is a total loss. Damage is estimated at $125,000. The Tacoma Ave. house fire is also a total loss with damage at $60,000.