STATEHOUSE (July 7, 2014) – “It was a tragic weekend in Indianapolis. A dedicated, life-long IMPD officer was shot to death, and seven Hoosiers were injured as a result of gun fire in Broad Ripple.My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Perry Renn and the other victims.
“People do not feel safe in their own neighborhoods, and we cannot sit by and let this senseless violence continue. Stopping gun crime in Indianapolis – and other Indiana cities and towns – is going to require serious action at the state, local and community levels.
“Again and again, we see repeat gun offenders back on the streets after serving limited jail time. Part of the solution to curb gun violence is to make sure the punishment fits the crime. I will continue to push for a mandatory 20-year sentence enhancement for violent gun criminals. Enough is enough.”
-30-
During the 2014 legislative session, Merritt authored Senate Enrolled Act 169, allowing for a sentence enhancement of between five and 20 years for violent offenders who use a firearm in the commission of a crime. SEA 169 also makes it a felony to steal a firearm or to knowingly provide a firearm to an individual who either 1) is legally ineligible to own a firearm or 2) intends to commit a crime.
