INDIANAPOLIS -- A Ben Davis High School football player was seriously injured in a drive-by shooting Sunday night on the city's northwest side.
The shooting happened shortly before midnight near the intersection of 34th Street and Heather Ridge Drive.
According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, three people were inside a car at the entrance to the Heather Ridge Apartments when another vehicle drove past and passengers inside began shooting.
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One of the people in the first car, 18-year-old Rondell Allen, was struck in the chest by a bullet. He was taken from the scene to Eskenazi Hospital in serious condition. Officers said Allen was struck several times.
Allen is the younger brother of former IU football player Antonio Allen.
The two other passengers inside the car, both 16-year-olds, according to IMPD, were not injured.
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Allen was preparing to start his senior year at Ben Davis High School. He plays free safety and cornerback for the Ben Davis Giants football team, which began fall practices Monday afternoon.
'We talked about it in the weight room, got them focused - they did a nice job, but in the back of our minds we're thinking about where he's at and hoping he makes a full recovery," said Ben Davis football coach Mike Kirschner. "I just want him healthy. Life is too short."
As of Monday night, Allen was still listed in serious condition.
"Amazing person, great personality, really athletic and likes to flip a lot. Makes a lot of jokes and stuff," said wide receiver Jermaine Hoskins.
The senior played 22 games and made 150 tackles, according to MaxPreps.com. He also totaled 840 all-purpose yards on kick returns and interception returns.
"Very talented young man with a special skill set," said Kirschner. "Very tough, very physical athletic young man who truly loves the game. There's too much going on - people all over the city trying to help these kids and we have to figure out what makes things like this happen and realize that we've got to love each other at some point and not hate"
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