Connect with us

Indianapolis, IN

The Top 5 drugs fueling the overdose crisis in Indianapolis

Published

on

The Top 5 drugs fueling the overdose crisis in Indianapolis


play

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance abuse problems, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for help. Anyone grieving the loss of someone to overdose can text ‘mental’ to 317-435-5281 to get connected with mental health resources.

Advertisement

INDIANAPOLIS — Drugs are continuing their deadly grip on the Circle City, keeping overdose deaths at concerning levels.  

Illicit fentanyl is the driving force behind the crisis, carrying a fatal dose small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil.

Beyond fentanyl, other drugs remain a concern in overdose cases seen by the Marion County Coroner’s Office.  

Here are the top drugs seen in overdose deaths in the Indianapolis area:  

Overdose alerts: Get texts to know when a bad batch of drugs is in your neighborhood

Advertisement

2024 most deadly drugs in Indianapolis

What’s not on the list?: ‘Zombie drug’ an ’emerging threat’ for Indiana

2023 most deadly drugs in Indianapolis

2022 most deadly drugs in Indianapolis

2021 most deadly drugs in Indianapolis

Where are overdoses happening the most in Indianapolis?

Seven ZIP codes in Marion County were identified as “hot spots” for overdose, accounting for 46% of deaths so far this year.

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Where to get fentanyl test strips

Overdose Lifeline offers to anonymously send fentanyl test strips to Indiana residents through its website. Those interested must fill out a form with their contact info.

Advertisement

Strips are also available 24/7 inside one of thousands of “NaloxBox” kits stationed throughout the state. Find a kit online at overdoselifeline.org/naloxone-indiana-distribution/.

Fentanyl overdose symptoms and side effects

Overdose causes someone to fall into a stupor state. Their pupil size may change, their skin may become clammy and their lips, nail beds and skin may turn blue. Someone who is overdosing may have respiratory failure that leads to death.

What does fentanyl look like?

Fentanyl is typically a powder or liquid. In recent years, the powder has become a common additive to heroin, methamphetamine or other street drugs, often without the user knowing.

Illicit fentanyl has also been pressed into fake pills to mimic drugs such as oxycodone or Adderall.

Where can I get Narcan?

Narcan, the common name brand for the opioid reversal agent naloxone, can be requested through Overdose Lifeline website. The supplies can be delivered anonymously.  

Advertisement

Medetomidine What to know about the latest sedative found in Indianapolis street drugs

Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com



Source link

Indianapolis, IN

Neighbors share concerns after young male dies in shooting on Indy’s northeast side

Published

on

Neighbors share concerns after young male dies in shooting on Indy’s northeast side


INDIANAPOLIS — A young man has died following a shooting on the northeast side of Indianapolis on Saturday night.

WATCH FULL STORY BELOW

Neighbors share concerns after young male dies in shooting on northeast side

Advertisement

IMPD said it happened near the 3900 block of Rue Rabelais, which is an apartment complex off Binford Boulevard and 56th Street.

WRTV was in the surrounding neighborhood speaking with residents on Sunday, many of whom told us they were left saddened and worried following the incident.

“It just brings tears to my eyes,” Sheri Harley shared.

Harley has lived on Circle Boulevard, which is one street over from the complex, for more than 20 years.

Advertisement

“We’re a very close-knit neighborhood,” Harley said. “I know everybody that lives here.”

That’s how she learned about what happened just down the road from her home on Saturday night.

“When I saw that there was police activity at the apartment complex, I contacted one of my neighbors, who lives across the fence,” Harley explained. “They didn’t really hear anything, but there were two young gentlemen who walked through their yard [that they got on camera].”

According to police, IMPD North District officers were dispatched to the 3900 block of Rue Rabelais around 7:19 p.m. Saturday on the report of a person shot. When officers arrived, they located a juvenile male near a playground suffering from injuries consistent with a gunshot wound.

The victim was taken to Riley Hospital in critical condition. IMPD confirmed the victim was pronounced deceased in the hospital.

Advertisement

“There is no known danger to the public at this time,” IMPD Night Watch Captain Richard Ray said during a media briefing. “It appears by the basic, limited information that we have at this time that this was a targeted incident.”

It’s the latest incident involving juveniles to concern Indianapolis residents.

“I was raised where you respect one another,” Harley said. “You don’t always have to get along, but now they’re just pulling guns on one another and shooting.”

For neighbors like Harley, they just hope it doesn’t continue.

“Parents, please take care of your kids. Watch them… It’s very disheartening,” she stated.

Advertisement

While we were out on Sunday, IMPD officers were going around asking neighbors to share any information they had about the incident.

“We’re asking any individual that might have been filming, that might have any doorbell cameras or anything like that to come forward and provide as much information as possible,” Ray said.

They have not yet identified any suspects in the case.

The Marion County Coroner’s Office (MCCO) will be assisting and will determine the exact manner and cause of death. The MCCO will release the decedent’s name once a proper next-of-kin notification has been made.

An investigation into this incident is underway. Anyone with information or doorbell footage is asked to reach out to IMPD Detective Christopher Williams at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or e-mail the detective at Christopher.Williams4@indy.gov. Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.

Advertisement


Casey Zanowic is the In Your Community reporter for North Side Indy. She joined WRTV in July of 2025. Casey has a passion for storytelling and is ready to showcase impactful stories that make a difference in her community. Share your story ideas and important issues with Casey by emailing her at casey.zanowic@wrtv.com.





Source link

Continue Reading

Indianapolis, IN

HBCU ALL-STAR Game Experience

Published

on

HBCU ALL-STAR Game Experience


Source: Instagram

HBCU ALL-STAR Game Experience

INDIANAPOLIS — At the 5th Annual HBCU All-Star Game Experience, organizers are bringing together student-athletes, civic leaders, and community advocates for a social justice-focused event in downtown Indianapolis.

The Social Justice & Civil Rights Luncheon and Panel Discussion is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Madam Walker Legacy Center on Indiana Avenue.

The event will focus on the intersection of sports, equity, and social change, with organizers aiming to inspire civic engagement and community leadership among attendees. Participants will include HBCU student-athletes, coaches, and local leaders.

Two panel discussions are planned. The first will center on civic engagement, public safety, and police accountability, examining how voting, public policy, and community involvement shape law enforcement practices and justice systems. The second panel will focus on youth, education, and workforce development, highlighting ways to expand opportunities and strengthen career pathways for the next generation.

Organizers say the luncheon is designed to go beyond conversation and encourage action, using the influence of HBCUs to promote leadership and long-term community impact.

In addition to the discussions, Indianapolis teen DJ Reese Rayford will provide live entertainment. She has performed at several prominent venues across the city and is also scheduled to appear during other HBCU All-Star Game weekend events.

The luncheon is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged. The event is part of a broader series of activities tied to the HBCU All-Star Game, which takes place during college basketball’s championship weekend and highlights talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities while promoting education, economic empowerment, and social impact.
The event will focus on the intersection of sports, equity, and social change, with organizers aiming to inspire civic engagement and community leadership among attendees. Participants will include HBCU student-athletes, coaches, and local leaders.

Advertisement

Two panel discussions are planned. The first will center on civic engagement, public safety, and police accountability, examining how voting, public policy, and community involvement shape law enforcement practices and justice systems. The second panel will focus on youth, education, and workforce development, highlighting ways to expand opportunities and strengthen career pathways for the next generation.

Organizers say the luncheon is designed to go beyond conversation and encourage action, using the influence of HBCUs to promote leadership and long-term community impact.

In addition to the discussions, Indianapolis teen DJ Reese Rayford will provide live entertainment. She has performed at several prominent venues across the city and is also scheduled to appear during other HBCU All-Star Game weekend events.

The luncheon is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged. The event is part of a broader series of activities tied to the HBCU All-Star Game, which takes place during college basketball’s championship weekend and highlights talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities while promoting education, economic empowerment, and social impact.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Indianapolis, IN

Mt. Vernon boys basketball wins program’s first state title

Published

on

Mt. Vernon boys basketball wins program’s first state title


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Mt. Vernon High School boys basketball team has accomplished something it hasn’t done before – win a state championship.

The Marauders beat Crown Point 52-50 on Saturday night in the IHSAA 4A State Championship Game inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It’s the program’s first-ever state title.

Mt. Vernon senior guard Luke Ertel, the favorite to win Indiana Mr. Basketball, finished with a game-high 26 points. He also finished with 10 rebounds.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending