On May 9, 2021, at approximately 6:28p.m., officers of the Kokomo Police Department responded to the area of 1919 S. Reed Road (Chuck E Cheese) in reference to an active shooting. Witnesses reported seeing two black males fighting just prior to the shooting. Witnesses described the shooter as a heavy-set black male, wearing a red and black hoodie, and running south from the location.
Officers of the Kokomo Police Department and Deputies with the Howard County Sherriff’s Office arrived on scene. Officers observed a male matching the suspect’s description running south in front of Buffalo Wild Wings armed with a handgun. Officers ordered the suspect to drop the gun. The suspect dropped the gun and continued to run south. The suspect was stopped by officers and a physical altercation ensued. After a brief confrontation, officers managed to place the suspect into custody. The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Demontez D. Lenoir. While taking Demontez into custody, Demontez broke free of his restraints and a second physical altercation ensued. Officers struggled with Demontez while attempting to restrain him as he continued to not cooperate. Officers managed to gain control of Demontez and transported him to the Criminal Justice Center.
While attempting to restrain Demontez, a second male identified as 22-year-old Laijuan Lenoir, began to interfere with police. This resulted in a physical altercation in which Laijuan was successfully restrained. A second firearm was found and recovered from Laijuan’s person. Laijuan was transported to the Howard County Jail.
Investigators processed the scene and recovered (11) 9mm shell casings from the parking lot on the eastside of Chuck E. Cheese. In addition, Investigators recovered (1) 9 mm shell casing from the parking lot on the southwest corner of Chuck E. Cheese, and (1) .40 Caliber shell casing in the parking lot between Chuck E. Chesese and Panera Bread. The firearm dropped by Demontez, and recovered by the police in front of 1810 E. Boulevard (T-Mobile) was a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.
Investigators were able to obtain surveillance video from the area that depicted Demontez in a physical altercation in front of Chuck E. Cheese moments before the shooting. During the altercation, Demontez was knocked to the ground. A second male, believed to be Laijuan Lenoir, was observed pointing a firearm in the direction of Demontez before retreating to a light blue 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. Demontez is witnessed firing multiple times at the Equinox as it drove south through the parking lot.
The light blue 2015 Chevrolet Equinox, occupied by at least (1) adult female and Laijuan Lenoir, was struck six to seven times by gunfire.
An unoccupied gray 2010 Jeep Patriot, parked between Chuck E Cheese and Panera Bread, was also stuck by a single round.
During the shooting, all restaurants in the area were open for business and the parking lot was heavily crowded with vehicles. There were no injuries reported on scene due to the gunfire. Only minor injuries to officers were reported due to physical altercations with the suspects.
Demontez D. Lenoir was charged with Criminal Recklessness, a Level 5 Felony, Attempted Escape, a Level 6 Felony, Battery on a Police Officer, a Level 6 Felony, and Resisting Law Enforcement, A Misdemeanor.
Laijuan Lenoir was charged with Obstruction of Justice, a Level 6 Felony, and Criminal Recklessness, a Level 6 felony.
This case remains active for investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Erik Fogg (765) 456-7369, or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip.