WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Two Purdue University students were arrested in connection with an incident in which a handgun was fired into the air at around 12:30 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 19).
Brothers Evan and Alex A. Freese were arrested after an investigation by Purdue and West Lafayette police. Evan Freese, 20, of 241, Apt. 10, Sheetz Street, West Lafayette, faces a preliminary charge of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. Alex Freese, 18, also of 241, Apt. 10, Sheetz St., faces a preliminary charge of providing false information.
Officers from the two departments responded to calls about fireworks or shots possibly being fired either in the area of South University and Harrison streets or near Marstellar and Harrison streets. Police were initially unable to locate the source of the sounds, but later received an anonymous e-mail that indicated shots were fired and provided a location.
Purdue Police Chief John Cox said Evan Freese told police he fired several shots from a 9mm handgun into the air from his apartment balcony. Cox said officers recovered firearms and ammunition from the apartment, as well as shell casings on the ground outside the apartment.
“Firing a weapon like this is extremely dangerous,” Cox said. “We were very fortunate that no one was injured.”
Criminal Recklessness is a Class C felony punishable by up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. False informing as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000.
