Also, MMR vaccination clinics offered in November; Cops 4 Kidz applications open; BIG Event coming Nov. 14
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On October 22, at approximately 4:42 a.m., patrol officers with the Kokomo Police Department responded to the area of the 700 block of West Virginia Avenue in reference to a report of an argument with several gunshots heard. Upon arrival, an officer located an 18-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
At the same time, patrol officers encountered a vehicle collision that had occurred in the 1100 block of South Courtland Avenue. It was learned at that scene that a 2007 Pontiac Vibe was being driven by a 17-year-old juvenile male.
While driving northbound on Courtland Avenue, the driver collided into a parked and unoccupied 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. Officers at this scene also found a 16-year-old juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds. It is believed that the crash and shooting incidents are related.
The 16-year-old male was immediately transported via ambulance from the scene to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – Indianapolis. The 18-year-old male was initially transported via ambulance to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – Kokomo but later transferred via ambulance to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – Indianapolis.
The KPD Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scenes and collected evidence and conducted interviews. Reported stolen firearms were located and recovered. Furthermore, it was learned that the 2007 Pontiac Vibe had been stolen earlier in the day.
The 17-year-old male driver was later detained and transported to the Kinsey Youth Center. This male has preliminarily been charged with:
- Auto Theft with Prior Conviction, Level 5 Felony
- Dangerous Possession of a Firearm by a Child, A-Misdemeanor
- Never Obtaining a Valid Driver’s License, C-Misdemeanor
At the time of the release, the 16-year-old remains in critical condition. The 18-year-old male is in stable condition.
The investigation is still on-going, and anyone with information or recorded video is encouraged to contact the Kokomo Police Department. Remember, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Drew J. Wallsmith #389 at 765-456-7388 or via email at dwallsmith@cityofkokomo.org. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip. Tips can also be submitted by utilizing the KPD Tip411 app.
MMR vaccination clinics offered in November
Indiana is currently experiencing a measles outbreak, and the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) is taking steps to help protect the health of the community.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious illness or death. To help prevent the spread of measles in Howard County, HCHD encourages individuals who are not immune to measles to get vaccinated. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are recommended for immunity from measles.
HCHD will host two MMR vaccine clinics in November to help ensure the community has access to protection against measles. These clinics are open to all Howard County residents ages 1 year and older. See the attached flyer for clinic dates, times, and additional details.
Pre-registration is highly recommended to expedite appointments, but walk-ins will be accepted. Expect a longer wait time without registering in advance. The registration form can be found at https://form.jotform.com/262935048786168, or by scanning the QR code in the attached flyer.
Guidance from the CDC indicates that individuals who meet the following criteria are presumed to be immune from measles and do not need to get an immunization:
- Written documentation of adequate vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella
- Laboratory confirmation of previous measles infection
- Laboratory evidence of protective measles antibody titer
- Birth before 1957
If individuals are unsure of their immunization status, they can call the Health Department at 765-456-2408, option 1 for nursing, to request their immunization records.
Cops 4 Kidz applications open
Cops 4 Kidz applications are now open through November 16. This year, parents can apply directly, and law enforcement, schools, and community organizations can refer families who could use some extra help this Christmas. Applications submitted by law enforcement or partnering agencies will be automatically approved.
Applications can be submitted here: https://littlethingshoward.org/#cops-4-kidz
The Kokomo area Cops 4 Kidz event will take place on December 12, when local law enforcement officers will help make Christmas a little brighter for children throughout Howard County.
BIG Event coming Nov. 14
The second annual BIG Event by The Little Things of Howard County will take place on Sat., Nov. 14, at The Experience, 1801 Country Club Dr. Presented by MJW Mortgage, doors to the BIG Event open at 5 p.m.
A cocktail hour kicks off the night from 5–6 p.m., followed by dinner and live music from The Time Travelers. There will be silent auctions running during the event, along with many other special features.
Last year’s BIG Event raised more than $50,000, and organizers hope to exceed that amount this year. Proceeds from this event stay in Howard County are used to help fund the annual Cops 4 Kidz drive, and applications for that Christmas program will remain open until after the BIG Event to determine how many children will be helped with the funds raised.
Tickets to the BIG Event are $75 each or $500 for a table of eight. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and organizers also looking for businesses and individuals interested in donating silent auction items.
For tickets and sponsorship information, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-gala-6867