INDIANAPOLIS -- Three men are recovering after being shot at Haughville Park on the near west side of Indianapolis on Tuesday.
The shooting took place just a few feet behind the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's southwest district headquarters building.
While the cause of the violence is still under investigation, one longtime activist in Haughvillle insists the violence could have been avoided.
IMPD officers were dispatched around 8:17 p.m. Tuesday night to Haughville Park, which is located at 520 North Belleview Place, after receiving reports indicating that shots were fired in the area.
Within minutes, two victims were found in the nearby neighborhood. A third showed up at a local hospital. All three individuals survived.
"Well it was horrifying, anytime anyone gets shot," said Olgen Williams.
Williams, a longtime activist in Haughville, said his church outreach team was in the park this past Saturday and actually spoke to the same group of people involved in the shooting.
"We're trying to let them know you don't have to live this kind of life because you're subject to lose your life," said Williams.
In fact, police and court records show all three victims of the aggravated assault, who are in their late 20's to mid 30's, have criminal records for charges ranging from robbery to drug dealing and illegal weapons possession.
"You need a life change. You can't do and sell drugs because you're subject to get shot," said Williams. "Someone is going to get hurt or someone is going to die. We actually said those words to this group."
A day after the shooting, the small park along west 10th street remains littered with trash including beer cans and liquor bottles.
Williams wishes the city would do more to clean up the park.
"This park could be better. It's neglected," said Williams.
Because the park is right next to IMPD's southwest district headquarters, Williams also wishes police would add a few patrols to the park, especially when large groups of unruly adults are hanging out.
"Police are like a light. When police show up bad elements run. They don't want to be close to it and that helps a lot you know," said Williams.
IMPD said this remains an active investigation.
While no arrests have been made, anyone with information is asked to contact the IMPD aggravated assault unit or Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.