Man killed near Indiana State Fairgrounds; police detain suspect in separate burglary and gun case

Shooting investigation centers on East 38th Street area near the fairgrounds

A man was killed in a shooting near the Indiana State Fairgrounds, prompting a homicide investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Officers responded late at night to a reported burglary in the 1700 block of East 38th Street, near the fairgrounds, and found a victim in critical condition. Police later confirmed the victim died from the injuries.

Authorities have released limited public detail about the circumstances leading to the shooting, including whether the incident began as a burglary call or whether the initial report was related to the fatal gunfire. No public information has been provided on the victim’s identity, the manner of death beyond a shooting, or a possible motive.

Detention follows separate burglary call; suspect faces outstanding warrants

In a separate development tied to an earlier case near the fairgrounds, police detained a 31-year-old man, Colen McDade, following a report of a burglary in progress on the 1900 block of East 38th Street. Police said officers saw McDade leaving a residence and pursued him on foot. During the chase, officers reported he discarded a 9mm handgun.

Police said McDade had multiple outstanding warrants, including allegations of attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. He was taken to the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center while prosecutors review potential charges connected to the burglary call and the firearm allegation.

Police say suspect is also linked to an earlier fairgrounds-area shooting

Police said McDade is suspected in an Aug. 21 shooting near the Indiana State Fairgrounds. That investigation is separate from the burglary call that led to his detention. Police have not publicly detailed the circumstances of the August shooting, including whether anyone was injured, what evidence ties the suspect to the case, or whether charges have already been filed in connection with that incident.

What remains unclear

• The identity of the man killed in the most recent shooting near the fairgrounds
• Whether the shooting was connected to a burglary report or was reported independently
• Any confirmed motive, suspect description, or arrest directly tied to the fatal shooting
• The extent of injuries or outcomes in the Aug. 21 shooting referenced by police

As of the latest police statements, investigators have not released additional details on the fatal shooting beyond the location and late-night response timeline.

The fairgrounds area, particularly along East 38th Street, includes a mix of residential buildings and businesses. Police investigations in the corridor can involve overlapping calls for service, but authorities have not indicated whether the cases described are related beyond geography.

Further updates are expected as detectives confirm identities, gather witness accounts, and determine whether any charges will be filed specifically in the fatal shooting.