Man admits to firing gun during drug deal outside Greenwood mall - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

An Indianapolis man admitted to police that he fired a gun during a drug deal Saturday afternoon.

Investigators say shots were fired in the parking lot of Greenwood Park Mall, near the Dick's Sporting Goods store, around 3:30 p.m. Saturday. No one was struck by the bullets that were fired.

Police say a witness called police dispatchers while chasing a suspect on foot. A Greenwood police officer was able to locate the suspect, 27-year-old John Sanders of Indianapolis, and take him into custody.

Officers found Sanders in possession of a 9mm handgun and marijuana. He was wanted out of Johnson County for criminal mischief.

Investigators believe Sanders and two accomplices met with two other men to purchase marijuana. All five men were in the car when Sanders pulled out the gun. One of the men tried to flee the vehicle and Sanders fired the gun. He missed his intended victim and instead struck the car.

During questioning by police, Sanders admitted that he attempted to shoot the victim after trying to purchase marijuana from him. He also said that everyone in the car fled when he fired the shot. He then grabbed the marijuana and fled.

Sanders told police robbery was not his motive when arranging the drug deal.

He is preliminarily charged with felony counts of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, battery with a deadly weapon, pointing a loaded firearm and possession of marijuana over 30 grams. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of possession of a handgun without a license, in addition to warrants out of Johnson and Marion counties.