Deputies busy controlling overnight crowds

Submitted Photo

Vigo County Sheriff's Office

Vigo County Sheriff's Deputies were busy overnight dealing with large groups of people gathering on parking lots. Deputies and several other law enforcement agencies responded with Honey Creek Fire Department to the Ashley Furniture Store at 4221 S. US 41 when the store's fire alarm was activated. 

Upon arrival officers and fire officials were met with a crowd so large that fire apparatus could not gain access the building and the crowd was unwilling to disperse to allow access for fire apparatus and personnel to perform their duties. 

A short time later agencies returned to the same location when a male suffered a self inflicted gunshot wound to the hand. The male was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the handgun was recovered by officers. Other large crowds gathered at the Ms. Softball America fields behind the fairgrounds as well, no incidents were reported at this location. 

The sheriff's office would like to remind those visitors to the area that all parking lots are considered private property and those owners have the right to refuse to allow access to these parking areas at any time. 

Many business in the city and county have hired off duty police officers to prevent large crowds such as these to congregate on their parking lots and to prevent property damage.

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