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INDIANAPOLIS — Community leaders met with teens near the Artsgarden downtown this week to talk about staying safe and out of trouble ahead of the 4th of July weekend.

Young Men Inc, an organization aimed at empowering Black males ages 8 to 16, held the discussion to stress decision-making and city curfew rules.

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‘Making good choices can save their life’

Malachi Walker with Young Men Inc said the goal is to help kids understand their potential.

“Ultimate goal is to help kids make good decisions and choices in life,” Walker said. “One of the things that we stress to our young people in our Young Men is that they are somebody and they can succeed. We want them to know that making good choices can save their life.”

Walker said the group’s main purpose is to guide young people toward better life choices and help them understand their own potential.

Curfew warning for teens, parents

Walker also warned youth about Indianapolis curfew rules and what happens if they’re broken.

“There is a curfew,” Walker said. “They need to know that you cannot be down here after the curfew hours, otherwise you’ll be picked up, taken to a facility and held there until a parent picks you up.”

He urged parents to stay aware of their children’s whereabouts, especially at night.

“Know where your children are,” Walker said. “Wake up — when you’re going to bed and you’re out for the night, know that your children are at home safe.”

IFD: Must be 18 to set off fireworks

An Indianapolis Fire Department spokesperson also reminded residents about fireworks rules for the holiday weekend.

You must be 18 to set off fireworks and be on property you own or have permission to use, IFD said.

Indianapolis curfew law prohibits minors under 18 from being in public places from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Two years ago on the Fourth of July, an 11-year-old visiting Indianapolis was struck in the back by a bullet fired into the air. Jataevious Ragsdale – who recovered quickly – was visiting family in Indianapolis for the holiday.

Had he been struck differently by the bullet, Ragsdale may not have had the chance to experience Fourth of July again. Falling bullets have killed other children, like 13-year-old Noah Inman in Hammond in 2017 and 4-year-old Marquel Peters in Atlanta in 2010. 

Holidays like Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve often prompt individuals to celebrate by firing their gun in the air, something the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department strongly advises against doing.

“Every bullet that goes up comes down,” Downtown District Commander Shane Foley said. “So if people think that’s not dangerous, they’re wrong.”

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Those who choose to fire their gun into the air can risk causing serious damage, Foley said, and doing so can lead to an arrest and prosecution. Criminal consequences for firing into the air include criminal recklessness, battery, vandalism and even homicide depending on the damage done.