Statement from FWPD Chief Scott Caudill regarding the weekend’s quadruple shooting, sent via email on July 7, 2025, at 1541 hours:
On July 5, 2025, shortly after midnight, our officers responded to a shooting near Harrison and Pearl Streets in downtown Fort Wayne. Regrettably, one 16-year-old teenager lost his life, and three other teens — all between the ages of 15 and 18 — sustained non-fatal injuries. Two have since been treated and released; one remains hospitalized in stable condition. The Fort Wayne Police Department had numerous extra officers deployed to the downtown area due to the holiday events, and the first FWPD officer arrived on scene 1 minute and 27 seconds from the initial 911 call.
Our Homicide Task Force was activated and worked nonstop to identify and apprehend two suspects swiftly, with the assistance of the Allen County Prosecutors’ Office and the Allen County Coroner’s Office. A 16-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm. An 18-year-old male, Ni’Shawn Jackson, was taken into custody and faces charges including attempted murder and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. Service of a search warrant led to the seizure of additional firearms.
We understand the grief and concern this tragedy has caused in our community, particularly among parents, teens, and downtown businesses. Let me be clear: Fort Wayne is not a place where violence will be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring our city is safe, and we take incidents involving our youth, especially those involving our youth, very seriously.
This incident is part of a concerning trend of gun violence involving our youth, with the Allen County Coroner reporting 19 homicides this year in the city of Fort Wayne. Several of the cases involved juveniles or young adults who were either victims or perpetrators. The Fort Wayne Police Department’s Homicide clearance rate for 2025 stands at 100 percent. This is significantly higher than the current national average of approximately 58 percent.
We are committed to addressing this issue through rigorous investigation, community engagement, and collaboration with local leaders. I echo Mayor Sharon Tucker’s call for parents and caregivers to actively guide our young people toward positive activities and away from violence, and to be knowledgeable about what their children are doing and where they are.
To that end:
- We will continue to collaborate with parents, schools, and community organizations to provide positive outlets and greater supervision for our young people.
- Our Downtown Patrol District has had additional officers assigned this summer, and we will maintain a strong presence to deter violent behavior and support business owners, along with adding additional special enforcement details. Staffing levels will be maintained to ensure continuous police coverage in all areas of the city.
- We are pursuing every available lead as the investigation continues into this incident and ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 436 7867, the FWPD tip line at 427 1201, or submit anonymously via the P3 Tips app.
Our work does not stop here. We will bring justice to the victims and work tirelessly to prevent future tragedies. We urge all residents to look out for one another and to report any suspicious activity—your partnership is vital to public safety.
Chief Scott Caudill
Fort Wayne Police Department
Read more posts on the 2025 21st Allen County Homicide or visit the 2025 Allen County Homicides index page.
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