Indianapolis, IN

IMPD G.R.E.A.T Camp guides generations of Indy kids

Published

2 years ago

June 11, 2024

IMPD G.R.E.A.T Camp guides generations of Indy kids

INDIANAPOLIS — Monday, an IMPD and ATF program aimed at educating youth about the streets kicked off its middle school portion in Indianapolis.

It’s a program that has guided generations of Indy kids but it was also a surprise for a couple of Gang Resistance Education and Training Camp or G.R.E.A.T officers.

“As a G.R.E.A.T grad yourself you’ve dedicated your life to serving your community as a police officer with the IMPD,” said Coleman.

WRTV

A surprise recognition from the ATF for IMPD Gang Resistance Education and Training Camp officers, Marcus Riley and Jonas Coleman.

“It’s kind of funny. I was actually laughing at the officer because he wasn’t expecting it and then next thing I know, my name was being called too,” said Coleman.

G.R.E.A.T students learn from metro police officers and ATF agents about violence in the city and how to better themselves.

“That’s the main things, respect and knowing they can do anything,” said Coleman.

“Teaching the children life skills that are so valuable we don’t want them to go in jail, and I don’t ever want to have to arrest them but how do you do that? You teach them those skills not to get arrested. You teach them how to manage their anger, how to handle peer pressure, how to handle someone else who’s angry,” said ATF Senior Special Agent Veronica Morales-Miller.

The two officers honored, once sat in the same seats as the middle schoolers.

They even learned from the same G.R.E.A.T instructor.

“Don’t say what year, back in the 90s, from kindergarten all the way up to fifth grade and so Officer Grinnell came across our summer camps,” said Officer Riley. “I always believe in giving back, pay it forward. Not all of us have those for guidance, such as brothers, sisters, fathers. Everybody comes into a different situation. So, you try to be that mentor for kids, and try to, you know, be there for what lacks at home.”

Officer Riley grew up in Riverside off MLK where Holy Angels Catholic school and the camp sits.

“Used to live right across the street in my my youth days,” he said.

Officer Coleman, grew up in Martindale-Brightwood.

Now, they’re working to bridge the gap between police and people in their communities.

“We’re all human beings. We’re here to do good things, versus all the things you see on media. So again, everybody is trying to bridge that gap. I would like to be judged for the person I am, not for the uniform I wear,” said Riley.

“It’s an honor and honoring experience to be able to get out there and help them experience the same things that I experienced when I was a kid,” said Coleman. “It really helped shaped who I am today.”

When he looks at the children he said he sees a bright future who might even follow in their footsteps.

“I see a lot of kids that’s thrilled to be here ready and motivated to go and learn about the program,” said Coleman.

“Kids need to understand that this is your potential right here, and I’m truly grateful that they decide to become great instructors. So, from their classroom experience, to becoming IMPD officers and instructor.s We have some kids here that are probably going to follow in their footsteps thanks to the recognition, and I hope that they do, because these guys are awesome,” said Morales-Miller.

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The ATF said nationwide funding for the G.R.E.A.T program ends on September 30th.

Volunteers will still be there, but funding helps with food, trips and more.

The ATF is hoping to spread awareness of the importance of the program like IMPD’s.

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Indianapolis, IN

New bridge over 96th Street adds to Nickel Plate Trail connections

Published

1 hour ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

New bridge over 96th Street adds to Nickel Plate Trail connections

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — The Nickel Plate Trail pedestrian bridge over 96th Street is officially open.

It was being touted Friday as a major milestone for central Indiana’s growing trail system. The street is the Fishers-Indianapolis border.

Leaders called the project a critical connection point for the Nickel Plate Trail. The new bridge helps move the nearly 17-mile trail closer to its goal of connecting multiple counties through one continuous path.

The bridge also came with a 1.3-mile trail extension. A $4.5 million grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources made the bridge possible.

Dale Brier, deputy director of Indiana Department of Natural Resources, talked about the state’s Next Level Trails grant program. “Currently, we have 89 trail projects that that were funded with that money. Fifty-nine of those are complete. We’ve got 12 under construction. As of this opening, we have 167 miles of trail that have now been opened with that grant money.”

People who frequently take the trail for their daily exercises say they’re excited the bridge is finally open.

Alan Errichiello of the Fishers Running Club said, “Extending this down south into Indianapolis is a big game changer for us. It’ll add a lot of miles that we can easily get into.”

Resident Tracy Mundell said, “Trying to get to the other side was nearly impossible, so I think most people didn’t even attempt it. It’s going to be great, we can get over to the other side, and I’m anxious to see what’s over there.”

The final portion of the project, called the Clear Path project, remains under construction.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, a Republican, said, “We need to double-down on that investment, and we know time and time again here in the city of Fishers that trail systems, the ability to get up and get out and get active, is such an important part in our culture of health, that an investment like this is critical.”

Once complete, local leaders say the goal is to provide a more safe and connected routes between Noblesville, Fishers, Indianapolis and other surrounding cities.

Resident Steve Mundell said, “It’s lovely. It’ll be real convenient to get across too.”

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Indianapolis, IN

Good and bad from Colts’ 2026 NFLPA report card grades

Published

13 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Good and bad from Colts’ 2026 NFLPA report card grades

What grades did the Indianapolis Colts earn on the 2026 NFLPA report cards?

The NFLPA is no longer able to make their annual report cards public. However, ESPN’s Kayln Kahler was able to obtain a copy of the reports following the 2025 NFL season, and the Indianapolis Colts were again around the middle of the pack.

In these report cards, players rate numerous aspects of the organizations they play for, from ownership to the training facilities and everything in between. According to Kahler, 1,759 players contributed to these grades.

So, where did the Colts end up this year relative to the rest of the NFL this year?

Overall, the Colts ranked 17th. Below is a breakdown of each individual grade they received.

Treatment of Families: B
Home Game Field: D
Food/Dining Area: B
Nutritionist/Dietician: A-
Locker Room: C+
Training Room: B
Training Staff: B+
Weight Room: B
Strength Coaches: A
Position Coaches: B
Offensive Coordinator: B
Defensive Coordinator: B+
Special Teams Coordinator: B+
Team Travel: B-
Head Coach: A-
General Manager: A
Team Ownership: A

Of note, although the Colts haven’t been to the postseason in five years, Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard both received high marks.

Carlie Irsay Gordon, Kalen Jackson, and Casey Foyt earned an A in their first year as the primary owners.

The field at Lucas Oil Stadium received a very low mark, earning a D, while the locker room was given a C+. Those were the two lowest grades the Colts received.

Compared to the 2025 rankings, the Colts moved up two spots this year, after coming in at 19th last year.

The biggest jumps the Colts experienced came in the Food/Dining grade, which went from a C to a B. The Team travel grade also jumped from a D+ to a B-.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis police search for 3 people after shooting, stolen vehicle crash

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — After a shooting, Indianapolis police were searching for three people who fled on foot following the pursuit of a stolen vehicle and its crash on Thursday afternoon.

No information was provided in the notification about the three people being sought. News 8 reached out to IMPD by email to find out details about the three people. Anyone with information regarding the incident or the people who fled the crash was asked to contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

The stolen vehicle was linked to a Thursday shooting, prompting the lockdown of a nearby child care center, IMPD said in a media notification. No information was provided about where the shooting happened, what may have led to it, or whether anyone was hurt.

IMPD, however, said the stolen vehicle and crash were not related to a shooting reported at 12:35 p.m. Thursday at a gas station and restaurant at West 38th and Meridian streets.

IMPD officers found the stolen vehicle around 12:45 p.m. Thursday near East 38th Street and Post Road. When a detective attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled westbound before crashing a short time later near Whenner Drive, the notification said. It did not say what type of vehicle was abandoned in the crash.

Three people from the crashed vehicle fled southwest on foot. IMPD established a perimeter with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Lawrence Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office — using specialized resources, including a state police helicopter, a special weapons and tactics team, and the IMPD’s police dogs — but did not find the three people.

IMPD said a firearm was found in the crashed vehicle, and a man detained at the crash scene was later released once investigators determined he was not directly involved in the incident.

Police have since lifted the lockdown on the child care center.

IMPD’s public information office can be reached at 317-327-3424.

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