Breaking News: Child Shot and Pulled from River — Richmond Grieves After Unthinkable Violence
RICHMOND, IN — In a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the Richmond community, a juvenile was found shot and wounded beneath a bridge on Sunday afternoon, June 29. The young victim was rescued from the waters of the East Fork Whitewater River by first responders in a dramatic effort to save their life — a moment that was both heroic and gut-wrenching.
The call came in around 4 p.m., alerting police and emergency crews to a shooting near North 17th Street and West Maple Drive. When officers and firefighters arrived at the scene, they discovered the child in moving water beneath the bridge. Without hesitation, rescuers entered the river and began lifesaving efforts on the spot, battling time and terrain to keep the young victim alive.
The child, whose name and age have not been released due to their status as a minor, was rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to a more advanced facility for further treatment. Their condition has not yet been disclosed.
The Richmond community, about 70 miles east of Indianapolis, has been left shaken and devastated. What should have been a quiet Sunday turned into a tragedy that no parent, neighbor, or child should ever have to face.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the young victim and their loved ones, said Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly in a solemn statement. “This act of violence is heartbreaking, and a painful reminder that we must do more to keep weapons out of the hands of juveniles.”
As painful as the moment was, the swift response of Richmond police and firefighters provided a beacon of hope amid the darkness. Their brave efforts to rescue the wounded child from the river have been praised by neighbors and officials alike.
Authorities have confirmed that another juvenile has been identified as the suspect and was detained without incident. Police believe this was an isolated event, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
But the damage has already been done — a young life altered forever, a community grieving, and countless hearts shattered by the reminder that even children are not immune to the plague of gun violence.
Chief Weatherly made it clear: “There is zero tolerance for gun violence in our community. We will continue working with our partners to hold offenders accountable and protect our youth.”
As Richmond begins the slow process of healing, this moment stands as a tragic call to action: to protect our children not just with words, but with real, lasting change.
🕯️May this young victim find healing, and may our communities never grow numb to the cries of our youth.