Two people are in custody in connection with a Tuesday evening shooting that left two young adults and two juveniles wounded at a Columbus park.
Just after 7:30 p.m., Columbus Police Department officers were dispatched to Lincoln Park in regards to a report of shots fired. When officers arrived, they located multiple people near a basketball court with gunshot wounds.
Medical care was administered by the officers as well as firefighters and emergency medical service personnel. Three of the four wounded victims were eventually transported to Indianapolis area hospitals for medical treatment. The fourth victim received treatment at Columbus Regional Hospital.
Area law enforcement officers began looking for a vehicle and its occupants who were suspects in the shooting. On Tuesday night, officers from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle believed to have been associated with the shooting. A traffic stop was conducted and Alexander Parker, 18, of Columbus, was taken into custody.
As the investigation continued, detectives received information regarding a second suspect reportedly involved in the shooting, Edmarius Oats, 18, of Columbus. About 1 a.m., Oats was taken into custody outside of a residence in the 3400 block of Old Field Lane in Columbus by members of the CPD SWAT team, which is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office.
Both Oats and Parker were transported to the Bartholomew County Jail where they were remanded on the following preliminary charges:
Edmarius Malik Oats -- Aggravated Battery and Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon
Alexander Isaiah Parker -- Aggravated Battery, Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon and Assisting a Criminal
Both subjects remain incarcerated. Additional charges are possible.
The following agencies assisted at the scene and/or with the investigation: Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Regional Health Paramedics, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Indiana University Lifeline, Columbus Park and Recreation, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Police Department and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office.
Anyone with tips or information regarding the case should contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600.
