Robert Michael Bolden III, 37, of Indianapolis, was identified as the victim who died following a shooting on the city’s north side early Sunday morning, February 1, 2026. The incident occurred in the 6200 block of Meridian Street West Drive, near West 62nd and North Meridian streets, where police found two people shot after responding to a ShotSpotter alert.
Officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department arrived at the scene just after 2 a.m. and discovered Bolden and a 15-year-old girl suffering from gunshot wounds. Bolden was initially listed in critical condition, while the second victim was reported to be stable. Both were transported to area hospitals, but Bolden later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators revealed that the shooting stemmed from an altercation between individuals in two vehicles. The confrontation escalated quickly, leading to gunfire that struck both victims. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events and determine who was responsible for the shooting.
The location of the shooting, Meridian Street West Drive near West 62nd Street, is a residential area on Indianapolis’ north side. Neighbors reported being startled by the sound of gunfire and the heavy police presence that followed. The area was cordoned off for several hours as investigators collected evidence and reconstructed the scene.
Bolden’s death was part of a violent weekend in Indianapolis, where three people were killed and three others injured in shootings within a 12-hour span. Police data shows that by early February, the city had already recorded 13 criminal homicides and 37 non-fatal shootings in 2026, underscoring ongoing concerns about gun violence in the community.
As the investigation continues, IMPD is urging anyone with information to come forward. For Bolden’s family and friends, the tragedy has left a painful void, and community leaders are calling for stronger measures to address the surge in violence. The case highlights the devastating impact of disputes escalating into deadly encounters and the urgent need for solutions to curb gun-related crime in Indianapolis.