Indy 500 Practice Begins, Detention Center Crash, and Youth Boxing Program Opens

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway roars back to life today as practice begins for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Gates opened at 10 a.m. with rookies and refreshers taking the track at 12:15, followed by full practice from 2:15 to 6 p.m. A special naturalization ceremony is also being held at the track this morning, welcoming new citizens at the iconic venue. In local news, police are investigating after a man drove his truck directly into the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center on Sunday. The incident happened just before noon when the man, apparently angry at the court system, claimed he hasn't seen his son in over a year. Chief Deputy Andy Barnhart confirmed the man's son wasn't even in the detention center. The driver was arrested on preliminary felony charges and had an outstanding warrant from Shelby County. Six people were injured in a police chase and crash Saturday night. A 20-year-old Indianapolis man faces multiple felony charges including leaving the scene of a DUI crash causing injury and resisting police. An 18-year-old was also arrested for resisting police in the incident that began in Beech Grove. A new youth organization called "Down But Not Out" held its grand opening in Indianapolis, offering boxing, mentorship, and character-building programs for local kids. Founder Alonso Bailey, who's been working toward this for 30 years, received $100,000 from Indianapolis-based Mapped Solutions to launch the program. The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus has announced a series of town halls this summer, with their Indianapolis session scheduled for June 7 at Kountry Kitchen on North College Avenue from noon to 2 p.m. IBLC Chair Earl Harris Jr. says these events provide opportunities for constituents to share concerns and connect with resources. In public safety news, Avon police are seeking the public's help locating a missing teenager. In Greenfield, a police K-9 seriously injured an off-duty officer after escaping from a home. Weather-wise, we're looking at warmer temperatures today compared to yesterday's spectacular conditions, but increased humidity will bring thunderstorm chances in the coming days. Remember, if you're heading downtown, watch for pedestrian project work affecting traffic patterns. This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.