Teenager among 2 hurt when shooter opens fire in ‘packed’ Indiana gym, police say

Two people were shot when someone entered a crowded Indiana gym and opened fire, police say.

The shooting happened Tuesday, Feb. 6, at VASA Fitness in Indianapolis. The workout facility is in a shopping center that includes a Target and multiple restaurants.

“I was scared for my life, you know,” said Christopher Velez, who told WTHR he was inside the gym. “You’re never expecting none of this to happen. Not even in, you know, VASA here, you know. It’s friendly around here, but it’s just crazy man.”

Indianapolis Metro Police Department Capt. Mark McCardia said in a briefing streamed by WRTV the accused shooter fled the scene and remains at large.

It’s believed the shooter began firing after going inside the front door of the fitness center, McCardia said.

“Obviously there was mass chaos,” the police captain said. “It was a business late at night, bunch of people working out. So people fleeing everywhere.”

McCardia described the gym as “packed,” with upwards of 100 people inside.

A motive for the shooting is unclear, but McCardia said one of the victims was likely not the intended target.

A teenager and adult were injured in the gunfire, according to WTHR and The Indianapolis Star. One was listed in good condition, while the other had serious injuries, according to McCardia.

Tiffani Footman, a medical assistant who was working out, said she heard four or five gunshots, according to WXIN. She and a friend began providing aid to victims.

“I feel grateful that not a lot of people got hurt and the people that did, it wasn’t as much trauma as it could’ve been,” Footman told the station. “So, I’m glad that people did take action instead of just watching. That helped out a lot.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 317-327-3475.