Indianapolis daily local headlines (March 1): Deadly fire arrest, bus-strike death, and tighter downtown park rules

Public safety

Arrest after woman found dead in fire-damaged home

A man is in custody after police say a woman was found dead inside a fire-damaged home in the 2800 block of Landola Lane. Investigators say the fire was intentionally set, and the suspect was arrested on preliminary charges including murder and arson resulting in serious bodily injury. Final charges will be determined by prosecutors.

Woman dies after being hit by a bus on the northeast side

Police say a pedestrian struck by a bus Friday night later died at the hospital. Officers responded to the 3800 block of N. Post Road just after 8:40 p.m., found the woman in the roadway, and took her to the hospital in critical condition. The crash remains under investigation.

Downtown

Lugar Plaza: park rules mean more enforceable stops (and arrests)

Lugar Plaza’s designation as an official city park is changing how it’s policed. With park rules now applying, officers can cite or arrest for behavior that’s prohibited in parks, including smoking, alcohol use, and certain disruptive conduct. Reporting from late this week described multiple arrests tied to warrants or suspected drug activity after initial stops for park-rule violations.

On the calendar

Skywatching: six planets visible, plus a lunar eclipse early Tuesday

Local astronomers say a multi-planet lineup is easiest to spot shortly after sunset this weekend, with the best viewing expected Saturday evening (weather permitting). A total lunar eclipse is also expected early Tuesday morning, with peak viewing around dawn.

• If you go out to view the sky, pick a darker spot and give your eyes a few minutes to adjust.
• For the eclipse, plan for pre-sunrise viewing.

Sources

• https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/woman-found-dead-in-burning-southwest-side-home-man-arrested-for-murder-arson
• https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/woman-dies-in-the-hospital-after-being-hit-by-a-bus-on-northeast-side
• https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-police-lugar-plaza-park-arrests-joe-hogsett-impd/
• https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/look-up-indiana-see-6-planets-this-weekend-and-a-lunar-eclipse-next-week