INDIANAPOLIS — An 86-year-old survived a heavy fire after it ripped through several apartments Sunday morning, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department.

This happened inside the independent living section within the Rosegate Commons American Senior Community. Firefighters say the man was slightly hurt, and he told them he heard a smoke alarm sounding for over 30 minutes but dismissed it, believing it was the neighbor’s alarm.

Firefighters arrived on Rosegate Lane, near South Emerson Avenue and East Southport Road, at around 4:45 a.m., and they found heavy fire showing through the roof. Crews were initially unaware the man was still inside the building. After firefighters had been working to put out the blaze for 25 minutes, the man fully awoke and tried to evacuate. As he reached for the front door, the roof collapsed, and burning debris landed on him. He managed to exit through the back of the structure, where he was met by firefighters.

The man and one firefighter were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

The fire was brought under control just before 5:30 a.m. Investigators believe the cause may have been electrical in nature, originating in the attic. Of the six apartment homes affected, five are considered a total loss, while one sustained exterior damage. Aside from the injured people, four others were able to escape safely. A parrot was also rescued unharmed.

Firefighters say if you ever hear a smoke alarm go off, never ignore it, especially in the middle of the night. They urge you to get out of the building if you see smoke and fire and call 911.

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Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responded to a shooting in the 900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street in downtown Indianapolis around 10:30 PM on April 11, 2026. One person was found suffering from gunshot wounds and was reported to be in critical condition. No further details have been released by the police at this time.

Why it matters

Downtown Indianapolis has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years, raising concerns about public safety in the area near major university campuses. This incident is the latest in a string of shootings that have occurred in the city’s urban core.

The details

According to IMPD, officers were called to the 900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, near 10th Street and North West Street, on a report of a person shot. When they arrived, they found one person suffering from gunshot wounds who was reported to be in critical condition. No other details about the victim or the circumstances of the shooting have been released by the police at this time.

• The shooting occurred around 10:30 PM on April 11, 2026.

What’s next

IMPD is continuing to investigate the shooting and is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.