Indianapolis, IN – Saturday, February 6, 2024 at approximately 9:00 p.m. the Indiana State Police was contacted by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department about a person who arrived at a local hospital with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. Preliminary investigation determined the victim was allegedly struck by gunfire while driving on I-70 near Shadeland Avenue in Indianapolis. Indiana State Police Detectives responded to the hospital to investigate.
After speaking with the victim, detectives began analyzing information to include data from Flock traffic cameras, and surveillance footage from a business. Detectives were able to identify a suspect vehicle and subsequently a suspect who they believed was involved in the shooting incident. The vehicle was located by officers from the Franklin Police Department at a hotel in Franklin. Probable cause was developed and a search warrant for a hotel room in Franklin Indiana and the suspect vehicle was requested and granted by a Marion County Judge. In the overnight hours of Monday February 5th, Indiana State Police Detectives, along with ISP SWAT conducted a search of the hotel room and impounded the suspect vehicle. Detectives were able to develop probable cause to arrest Ernesto Espinoza (24), of Donna, Texas. He was incarcerated at the Marion County Jail on preliminary charges of Attempted Murder.
In 2023, Troopers in the Indianapolis District investigated 56 incidents of gunfire on Indianapolis area interstates. In that same area, troopers investigated an additional 236 incidents of road rage where a gun was reported to be pointed or displayed. This incident is the 4th incident in 2024 of shots being fired on the interstate. The Indiana State Police would like to strongly discourage motorists from engaging in any type of road rage as we are seeing these incidents lead to violence.
The arrest in this case was based upon probable cause, the charges listed are preliminary. Actual charges in this case will be determined by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
