Police: We're Closing In On Pregnant-Teller Shooter

INDIANAPOLIS -- Police say they're honing in on a man suspected of shooting a pregnant bank teller this week, citing information gleaned from the arrest of four people who investigators believe are linked to the robbery.

The four were being held on preliminary charges of conspiracy to commit robbery relating to Tuesday morning's heist and shooting at the Huntington National Bank, 2030 N. Post Road. Three other people were being questioned, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

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Slideshow: Police Seek Shooter

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The teller, Katherin Shuffield, of Franklin, was in critical condition at Methodist Hospital Wednesday. She was still carrying her unborn twins, her husband said in a statement released by hospital staff, and authorities said earlier that the unborn children weren't in immediate jeopardy.

According to police, Shad James, one of the men who was taken into custody in two raids on Wednesday, gave them information about someone he said was the shooter.

The arrestees, James, 25, Joseph Wilburn, 22, Stevan Peterson, 21, and Tyrone Daniels, 33, were believed to have assisted the shooter, who James identified as "Milbrook," according to a police report released on Thursday.

According to the report, James admitted having knowledge of the robbery and helped police identify the other people who were arrested.

James told police that the robbery was planned a couple of days in advance.

According to the police report, James indicated that he, Wilburn and Milbrook were in a gold Dodge Intrepid, which was the primary vehicle police said was used, and that Peterson was in a blue Honda Pilot, the other vehicle police say was involved in the case.

James told police that he was let out of the Intrepid before the robbery after he expressed concern about what was about to happen.

Police said James told them that he returned to a duplex in the 600 block of Keystone Avenue -- one of the homes raided Wednesday -- shortly after the robbery and heard Milbrook, Peterson and Wilburn discuss what had happened.

Officers found cocaine, a handgun and an assault rifle in their raid of the Keystone Avenue duplex and unspecified evidence they believe was connected to the case, according to police.

Shortly before the four arrests were announced Wednesday, police said they were questioning up to eight people.

Another man found at the duplex, Eric Simms, 32, was arrested on a child neglect charge not related to the robbery, police said.

Police said a man robbed the bank at about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and shot Shuffield, 30, of Franklin, in the lower abdomen. Officials said Tuesday that Shuffield's unborn twins were not struck by the bullet .

Ministers To Shooter: Surrender To Us

At a news conference late Wednesday afternoon, some local ministers called on the shooter to surrender to one of them.

One of the ministers said the shooter and anyone who helped him should take the offer, arguing that they'll be caught one way or another, and that the ministers would help make a surrender to police smooth.

"We will bring you in and work with the police if you are afraid to turn yourself in to the law enforcement community," said the Rev. Charles Harrison, of the Barnes United Methodist Church. "But you must turn yourself in because you will be apprehended, because this is unacceptable in our community."

The ministers said the shooter or his accomplices could call them at the following numbers: 317-281-3035, 317-752-0602 or 317-281-1151.

Indianapolis Police Chief Michael Spears endorsed the ministers' offer.

"Speaking to those involved ... just turn yourself in," Spears said. "We will work with the churches and the pastors to make certain this goes as smooth as possible, but a lot of that is in your hands."

Police said anyone with information about the shooting should call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.

Search For Gunman, Accomplices Intense

The police search for the shooter and accomplices was intense Wednesday morning, with dispatchers broadcasting a description of the shooter to officers citywide every 30 minutes.

Though the gunman's face was covered, authorities developed a sketch of him based on witness descriptions and released it Tuesday night. Police also released pictures of two vehicles similar to the ones they're seeking in connection with the incident.

Police said the gunman entered the bank while one customer and three employees were inside. Though no one resisted, the gunman went over the teller counter and shot Shuffield, police said.

After Shuffield was shot, witnesses told police, the robber grabbed cash from some drawers and fired a bullet at an empty chair before exiting the bank. A block to the west, at least one person saw him enter the passenger side of a gold, late-model Dodge Intrepid with dull, worn paint, police said.

The Intrepid sped away and a new, bright blue Honda Pilot SUV followed, the witness said, prompting police to wonder whether the SUV's occupants were linked to the robber. Information about how much money the robber took wasn't available.

Witnesses described the shooter as black, 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 215 pounds. He was wearing a blue stocking cap, a dark face covering, a gray jacket, blue jeans and dark shoes with light-colored heels, witnesses told police. Police said he also wore sunglasses and teal surgical gloves and was carrying a 9 mm gun.

Part Of Bank Reopens Wednesday

The bank's drive-though window was open for business Wednesday, though customers were not allowed in the lobby. Inside, a security guard kept a watchful eye, Rinehart reported.

According to the victim's neighbors and friends, Shuffield had been trying for five years to get pregnant.

"I hope everything turns out OK for her because she's a really sweet person," one neighbor said.

Indianapolis police vowed to commit whatever resources and officers were necessary to capture those responsible for the shooting.

"We're getting quite a few tips," Indianapolis police Detective Dennis May said. "A lot of people driving by the scene yesterday were kind of cheering the officers on. I think the public is really outraged at this whole situation."

A benefit fund for Shuffield was established. Donations can be made to:

Katherin Shuffield Benefit Fund
c/o Huntington Bank, Attn: Main Office Branch
45 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204