http://www.indystar.com/articles/1/093524-5511-009.html

Would-be victim thwarts robbery
Man shoots suspect during holdup attempt; police investigating wounded
17-year-old.
By Tim Evans
[email protected]
November 17, 2003

A would-be robber ran into more than he expected during a holdup at a
Southside carwash Sunday night — getting doused with a hose, then
apparently shot by his intended victim.

Sgt. Russell Burns of the Indianapolis Police Department said officers
were working late Sunday to determine whether a 17-year-old who showed
up at St. Francis Hospital in Beech Grove at about 10 p.m. with a
gunshot wound in his arm was the robbery suspect.

The shooting occurred shortly after 9 p.m. as David T. Humphries, 45,
Indianapolis, was rinsing off his van at the car wash in Southern Plaza
in the 4200 block of South Meridian Street. Burns said Humphries pulled
into the carwash after his van was struck by an egg as he traveled south
on Meridian Street.

Humphries told investigators a young white male with a bandana over his
face approached him and demanded money. Thinking the man was joking,
Humphries told investigators he sprayed water on the would-be robber.

The suspect then pointed an assault-type rifle at Humphries and
threatened to shoot him.

Police said Humphries reached inside his coat — as if he were getting
his wallet — but instead pulled out a .38-caliber handgun and fired
several shots at the suspect, striking him at least once.

Burns said it is possible the suspect fired back before dropping his gun
and running away.
Humphries is licensed to carry the weapon, Burns said, and was not
charged in the shooting.