Man, 3 Teens Charged In Connection With Gun Store Burglary

INDIANAPOLIS -- Three teens charged with breaking into a west-side gun store will remain in custody until their initial hearing Friday, court officials said.

The Marion County prosecutor's office requested the three teens -- 14-year-old twin brothers and their 15-year-old friend -- be held until their initial court appearance.

The teens, along with Nicholas Martin, 20, were arrested over the weekend in connection with the Friday morning burglary of Don's Guns near 38th Street and Lafayette Road.

Police said the foursome used a stolen car to ram the side of the store, then climbed inside and stole several guns, including an Uzi submachine gun, an assault riffle, shotguns and handguns.

The three teens were each preliminarily charged with two counts of burglary and theft, vehicle theft and illegal possession of a firearm.

Martin was charged with burglary, theft and carrying a handgun without a license.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Martin's fingerprints were recovered from a display case inside the store. Martin told 6News' Jack Rinehart he was in Don's guns the day before to help his sister buy a handgun.

"Just because I was there, does not mean you can pin me on anything," he said. "I admitted to being there and I turned myself in. Now what person in their right state of mind would [expletive] do that if they're dirty?"

Police said they were exploring the possibility that the burglary may have gang overtones and that teens were used because they face lesser penalties and shorter sentences.

The teens are set to appear in juvenile court for their initial hearing Friday at 3 p.m.