Man in custody after hit-and-runs in downtown Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS - A motorist suspected in a series of hit-and-runs that injured six people in downtown Indianapolis during morning rush-hour is in police custody.
Indianapolis police took the man into custody after five hit-and-runs about 7 a.m. Wednesday left five pedestrians and a motorcyclist with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
Police say the incident started when the suspect stabbed a woman on the city's east side and stole her car. He then allegedly drove to downtown Indianapolis and struck the six people at five intersections. The woman who was stabbed is reported to be in stable condition.
Police later found the stolen car crashed on the city's northwest side and took the driver into custody.
Officer Chris Wilburn tells The Indianapolis Star the hit-and-runs were a "rush hour, mini reign of terror."
One man who was struck told CBS affiliate WTTV the SUV was going at a "high rate of speed" when it turned a corner and sideswiped him, knocking him to the ground. The driver reportedly didn't stop and proceeded toward the valet area of the Conrad Hotel, where he ran into two other pedestrians.
"It was at that time I realized he was intentionally trying to strike individuals," witness David Gadis told the station. "I was injured, but the other individuals had horrific injuries. I just thank God that I was not run over totally by this vehicle."