INDIANAPOLIS — “What’s going on where kids are out there being shot and falling victim to these types of things is terrible to think about – we are definitely concerned by the trend,” Dr. Cory Showalter, medical director of the emergency department at Riley at IU Health said.
Gun violence among teens and juveniles is a trend that emergency room doctors at Riley Hospital for Children say that they are seeing when it comes to gun violence involving children.
“It’s terrible – they are taking all of our kids – life after life,” Indianapolis resident, David Perry said.
It’s a heartbreaking reality for both people in Indianapolis and Emergency Personnel say it’s hard to grasp.
“When I got down here, I saw a lot more younger people carry guns,” Indianapolis resident Masie Benson said.
A 17-year-oldwas checked into a hospital early Thursday after being shot, possibly at a gas station on the city's northeast side.
Data from IMPD show that more than 70 children have been involved in gun violence this year.
WRTV’s Homicide Map shows 13 children have been killed this year.
“Unfortunately, we are quite used to seeing gunshot wounds come to the ED – we have a very well-prepared emergency department team and trauma team,” Dr. Showalter added.
Riley Hospital for Children is also a level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. Officials say they have seen 29 kids in its emergency room this year.
In 2021, officials say they saw 38 kids and in 2020 they saw 27.
“It’s a lot, especially for somebody that is so young,” Benson said.
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts
With $270 million in worldwide ticket sales, "Wicked" and "Gladiator II" breathed fresh life into a box office that has struggled lately, leading to one of the busiest moviegoing weekends of the year.Senator wants change following WRTV Investigation into mental health facilities
A state senator is pushing for sweeping change following a WRTV Investigation into a Lawrence mental health facility.Hoosiers raise awareness about men's health issues for 'Movember'
You may notice many mustachioed men around Central Indiana this November. Some are adorning facial hair to raise awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide.Pacers end 3-game skid, extend Wizards losing streak to 11 with 115-103 victory
After not playing well defensively for the past three games, Sunday's game showed modest improvement as Indiana allowed just 16 fourth-quarter points.