Teen Charged as Adult After Near East Side Robbery and Shooting

INDIANAPOLIS — A 17-year-old is facing serious charges as an adult after a violent robbery and shooting in May at an ARCO gas station near 10th and Rural Streets left one teenager critically injured.

According to police and court records, the incident began as a dispute among several teenagers over a firearm. The situation escalated when a group attempted to steal a gun from a girl inside the gas station. During the struggle over the weapon, 17-year-old Miguel Pugh is alleged to have opened fire.

The affidavit details that Pugh attempted to shoot the victim’s girlfriend during the altercation. Instead, another teenager was struck and critically wounded, reportedly by mistake.

Authorities charged Pugh as an adult with robbery, aggravated battery, and illegal possession of a firearm. The case highlights ongoing concerns about juvenile gun violence and the growing trend of teenagers being charged as adults in Indianapolis.

Rising Juvenile Gun Violence in Indianapolis

This incident is just one of many in a troubling pattern of firearm-related crimes involving young people in the city. Public safety officials have expressed alarm at the frequency of juveniles gaining access to guns and using them in violent crimes.

“Every time we see kids with guns, we’re seeing preventable tragedies,” said a law enforcement official familiar with the case. “It’s a reminder of the work we still need to do as a community to address gun access and conflict resolution.”

Legal Consequences for Youth Offenders

Indiana law allows juveniles to be tried as adults in cases involving serious offenses such as armed robbery or battery resulting in critical injury. In charging Pugh as an adult, prosecutors are sending a clear message about accountability for violent crimes, regardless of the offender’s age.

A Wake-Up Call for the Community

Community leaders are urging parents and guardians to have open conversations about the dangers of guns and violence among youth. The city continues to grapple with finding solutions to reduce these crimes and ensure young people have positive outlets for their energy and challenges.

As Pugh awaits trial, the case serves as both a tragedy for the families involved and a call to action for Indianapolis to address the root causes of youth violence.