INDIANAPOLIS — Witnesses were visibly shaken from Monday's shooting at Waffle House on Indy's southwest side.
One witness, who asked to remain unnamed, was dining inside Waffle House on Lynhurst Drive Monday morning when a fight turned into another instance of gun violence in Indy.
"It was a lot of people in there, everything was calm. And next thing you know, my friend is pointing because my back was towards the door," the witness said. "She was pointing, telling me someone's fighting. And before I could turn around, they were fighting, and the shots just started ringing. And that's when everyone starts ducking and trying to hide."
She said Waffle House employees helped customers inside hide in the freezer until the police got there.
"And even when we was in the freezer, more shots went off. So we were scared to move," she said. "So once it started to slow down, when the shots stopped, I hopped over the railing. Then, I noticed that I didn't have my purse, and I needed to get it so we can get out of there. Then, the shots went on again and then I got on the ground. I stayed on the ground. Then, I was able to get my purse and my other friend she was in the back. She told me to come on, come on and that's when I noticed one of the workers was shot and two other people from what I can see and that's when people started calling the police," she said.
After the gunfire settled, six people had been shot — one of which died as a result.
Metro police say the shootout started as an attack on one of the victims.
That victim police say, then pulled out a gun and started shooting which resulted in gunfire between two groups.
"The first round was probably six and then it was probably maybe six or eight more," said the witness.
More than 60 officers were shortly on scene.
"I got over there asking what was going on and there was blood everywhere and I go there everyday. That could've been me ya know. I literally just ordered food there an hour before that," said Shane Garrett.
Shane Jarrett was outside of the restaurant when the shooting happened. He says he frequents the restaurant and it led him to wonder what could have happened to him if he were inside.
"I know all of them," Jarrett said. "I talk to them everyday. They know my order when I walk in. I don't even have to place an order. I go there everyday. Could have been me."
Crime scene tape lined the Lynhurst Ave. Waffle House for roughly ten hours.
As soon as it cleared, those impacted went back to get belongings left behind.
"And when I was able to get my purse, I did see shells in the seat that I was sitting at so I'm traumatized," said Garrett.
"I'm shaken up. I have kids. So I'm thankful that me and my friend were able to make it back to our families and I hope and pray that the people that were hurt, are able to make it back to theirs," said the witness.
The shooting put an end to a violent weekend in Indy. In total, 17 people were shot between 10:30 p.m. on Friday and 4 a.m. on Monday.
Three of the 17 shot died.
