Two Arrested Following Early Morning Shooting Incident in Washington, Indiana
WASHINGTON, Ind. — A chaotic scene unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, in Washington, Indiana, as police responded to reports of gunfire that ultimately led to the arrest of two individuals. The Washington Police Department (WPD), working in coordination with the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, took swift action that resulted in multiple felony charges against the suspects, who are now in custody.
According to a press release from WPD, officers were dispatched around 4:20 a.m. to the vicinity of East John Street and NE 6th Street after reports of a shooting. Witnesses told dispatchers that suspects involved in the incident had fled the scene in a vehicle before officers arrived. Responding units quickly located the vehicle matching the description and conducted a traffic stop.
Inside the vehicle, police found two individuals and two handguns. The passenger was identified as 23-year-old Juan Manuel Lopez Jr. During preliminary investigations, officers learned that the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation that occurred outside a local establishment earlier in the night. According to authorities, this dispute escalated when shots were fired into the air in what appeared to be an attempt to intimidate others involved in the confrontation.
However, the conflict did not end there. WPD officials say the altercation continued at a nearby residence on NE 6th Street, where a physical altercation broke out between several individuals. During the chaos, additional gunshots were fired — this time into the residence, further escalating the danger and drawing law enforcement attention.
Upon arrival at the NE 6th Street residence, police encountered multiple people, including 27-year-old Eleazar Astello. As officers secured the scene, they discovered another handgun on the property, along with approximately 30 grams of suspected cocaine, prompting further criminal charges.
Both Lopez Jr. and Astello were arrested and face serious charges. The charges filed include:
•Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon
•Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon
•Pointing a Firearm at Another Person
In addition to these charges, Eleazar Astello faces two drug-related felonies:
•Dealing in Cocaine
•Possession of Cocaine
Authorities have not released any information regarding injuries, though the reckless discharge of firearms and the presence of drugs highlight the volatility of the situation. The incident remains under investigation, and more charges could be forthcoming as police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
WPD officials commended the swift collaboration with the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, which helped ensure the situation did not escalate further or result in more serious harm.
Community members are urged to contact law enforcement with any additional information that may assist in the investigation. As of now, both suspects remain in custody at the Daviess County Security Center.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns in the community about gun violence, drug activity, and the volatile nature of conflicts that can erupt into dangerous confrontations. Law enforcement officials stress the importance of conflict de-escalation and encourage residents to report suspicious activity promptly.