Tragedy in Indiana: 3 Dead, 2 Officers Injured in Devastating Grocery Store Shooting — Suspect Identified as 17-Year-Old Xavier Charles Derisma
A quiet afternoon turned into a nightmare in Indiana after a deadly shooting erupted inside a local grocery store, leaving three people dead and two police officers injured in what authorities are calling one of the most harrowing acts of violence the community has faced in recent memory. The alleged shooter has been identified as Xavier Charles Derisma, a 17-year-old Black male now in police custody.
The chaos unfolded just before 3:00 p.m. on what should have been an ordinary day for shoppers and employees at the busy store. Witnesses described a terrifying scene: the sound of gunfire ringing out, people screaming and scrambling for cover, and an atmosphere of confusion and dread as families and employees attempted to escape the unfolding horror.
According to law enforcement officials, two victims were shot and killed inside the store. A third individual, believed to have been caught in the crossfire outside the building, was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Their names have not yet been publicly released as authorities work to notify their families.
When first responders arrived on the scene, they were met with an active shooter situation. During the confrontation with the suspect, two police officers were injured—one by gunfire and another during the pursuit and takedown. Both officers were transported to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, Xavier Charles Derisma, was apprehended shortly after the incident following a brief but tense standoff. Law enforcement officials say he was in possession of the firearm used in the shooting and is now facing multiple felony charges, including murder, attempted murder of a police officer, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Authorities are still investigating how the 17-year-old obtained the weapon and what led up to the deadly attack.
So far, no motive has been officially confirmed. However, investigators are exploring a range of possibilities, including whether the shooting was targeted or random, and if mental health or other contributing factors may have played a role. Surveillance footage from the store, along with witness statements, is being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Local officials and community leaders expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event. Indiana Governor and the city’s mayor issued statements offering condolences to the victims’ families and praising the bravery of law enforcement officers who risked their lives to protect others during the active threat.
“We are devastated by the loss of innocent lives today and praying for the full recovery of our injured officers,” one official said during a press conference. “This tragedy affects all of us—it touches every part of our community.”
The store, now a crime scene, has been temporarily closed as authorities continue their investigation and gather evidence. Support teams have been dispatched to provide counseling and trauma services to witnesses, employees, and families affected by the violence.
Meanwhile, the identification of a teenager as the gunman has raised serious concerns and renewed conversations around youth violence, mental health resources, gun access, and prevention measures. Activists and advocates are urging policymakers to act swiftly to address the systemic issues that may have led to this heartbreaking outcome.
On social media, grief is pouring in as loved ones, residents, and complete strangers share condolences, memories, and calls for justice. Vigils are being planned to honor the lives lost and to show solidarity with the grieving families.
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward and are reassuring the public that there is no longer an active threat. However, the emotional scars from the shooting will not soon fade.
In the words of one witness who escaped with her children, “I don’t know how to explain to them what happened. We were just getting groceries. Now we’ll never forget what we saw.”
The coming days will be filled with mourning, unanswered questions, and the difficult process of healing. But for now, Indiana is left with a stark and painful reminder of how quickly peace can be shattered—and how important it is to come together, not only in grief but in a shared resolve to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.