Robbie L. Perez-suspect/Courtesy-BCSO
COLUMBUS, Ind. — A man who allegedly shot a young child and a 36-year-old male is in custody as of Friday afternoon, according to the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). Robbie Perez, 35, of Columbus, was charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon for the Thursday night shooting on Elm Street in Hope.
Authorities were informed the suspect was spotted on E. King Street in Franklin, near its intersection with I-65 in Johnson County, at around 10:50 a.m. on Friday. The Franklin Police Department tried to stop the vehicle. A pursuit ensued but Perez was eventually apprehended.
Law enforcement says Perez suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken to Eskenazi Hospital for treatment, per BCSO’s Sgt. Dane Duke. The vehicle was processed and a firearm was reportedly recovered, according to a BCSO statement.
Investigators determined a long-term family dispute between the suspect and his brother, George Perez Jr., led to the shooting. The three-year-old that was shot was George Perez Jr.’s son, according to the sheriff’s office. BCSO had previously listed the child as two years old.
George Perez Jr. has been released from the hospital, however, his son remains in critical condition.
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
