'Makes you think twice': Drive-by shooting shocks downtown New Albany
One woman was injured (but it's unclear how) and police are still searching for suspects.
One woman was injured (but it's unclear how) and police are still searching for suspects.
One woman was injured (but it's unclear how) and police are still searching for suspects.
A quiet early afternoon in downtown New Albany was shattered when gunfire erupted near a popular courtyard filled with shops and restaurants. The incident has left local business owners and residents shaken.
Destin Wilhite, owner of Mochi Wren Boba & Bakery, was installing a new sign outside his business when the shooting occurred.
"We went inside, locked the door and everything, he [a friend] immediately called the police," Wilhite said.
According to police, an SUV, captured on video by a nearby business, drove by and opened fire on the courtyard near Underground Station. Wilhite described the moment he heard the shots: "We heard, like, 6 or 8 pops, I guess. I thought it was construction that was going on right over here."
Authorities reported that only one person, a woman inside Bohemian Barbers, was injured during the incident. However, it remains unclear whether her injuries were caused by gunfire or another factor.
Mike Sajaja, owner of Petra Mediterranean Restaurant, which faces the barbershop, witnessed police investigating the aftermath.
"They were inside the barbershop. Inside this other shop. They were taking pictures, asking everybody what they saw and all that," Sajaja said.
Police are actively searching for the vehicle involved but have not identified any suspects. Sajaja wonders what motivated the shooting.
"Obviously, they did not target us. So this is not targeted against anyone as far as I know, but could be random. Could be. You never know," he said.
The shooting has left local business owners questioning the safety of an area they once considered secure.
"It worries us now because we never thought anything like this could ever happen. Now we're worried about our customers also," Sajaja shared.
Wilhite echoed those concerns, reflecting on the broader implications for the community.
"It definitely makes you think twice about, like, oh, you know, now I'm kind of worried, like, do you want to bring your kid out to go to random places like the park or anywhere like this," he said.
The incident occurred just steps from New Albany City Hall, in a part of downtown known for its vibrant and safe atmosphere. For now, the community is left grappling with the unsettling reality of violence hitting so close to home.