By Ann Marie Shambaugh
Police are describing an altercation that led to a Zionsville homeowner being shot in the leg Monday night as appearing to be “a very random act.”
Police said that the suspect came to the door of a home in the 4300 block of Creekside Pass in Austin Oaks and requested to use some pliers. After the homeowner, George T. Eyrich, retrieved the pliers, the suspect attempted to force his way into the home. Eyrich, whom officers said is believed to be the only person living in the home, tried to stop him, and the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Eyrich in the right leg before fleeing the scene in an unknown vehicle.
The Zionsville Police Dept. Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Carmel Police Dept. set up a perimeter and canvassed the area. ZPD and CPD units used police dogs in an attempt to locate the suspect, who is described as a black male, about 25 years old, 5’8”, 160 pounds wearing a black leather jacket.
“Law enforcement was at the residence within two minutes of the call. There was a massive canvassing of the area, … and nothing came of that,” ZPD Sgt. Adrian Martin said. “We’re looking at the other side of the coin as well to make sure there isn’t any foul play there either.”
Police questioned Eyrich at St.Vincent Hospital, where he was transported to be treated for the gunshot wound and a laceration to his forehead. Martin said Eyrich had surgery Tuesday morning and is expected to make a full recovery.
This story will be updated.
