Indy man accused of attacking several people during downtown food distribution event

An Indianapolis man is arrested for three counts of violence after reportedly beating several people in downtown.

According to court papers, the suspect became disorderly while handing out food to the homeless and assaulted one of the victims.

After allegedly rejecting numerous demands to get on the ground, 25-year-old Daion Scott was tazed and handcuffed Wednesday evening, following the vicious altercation downtown that left at least two men with facial cuts.

“This is an unfortunate incident, but it’s very isolated, and we have the suspect in custody,” said IMPD downtown commander Shane Foley.

While the exact cause was not revealed, investigators suspect Scott became enraged and cut one victim during a food distribution event intended at supporting the poor.

When another victim was cut, he attempted to intervene and assist.

According to witnesses, a third person was hurt, but police were unable to find the victim.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve experienced something like this. We certainly ask that people who are performing food distribution collaborate with the Office of Public Health and Safety so that we can accomplish this in a safe and coordinated manner,” added Foley.

Long before being arrested on Wednesday, Scott, 25, had a history of assaults in downtown.

Scott was convicted in 2023 of stabbing another victim near a bus stop on North Capitol following a fight on an IndyGo bus.

According to court records, Scott pled guilty in July to attacking yet another victim after a confrontation in East Washington.

Aside from those exceptional cases, the IMPD says that violent crime in downtown is down significantly this year.

“Violent crime in downtown is down 30 percent compared to last year, and we want that trend to continue,” Foley added.

The defendant will be kept without bond for seven days until the prosecutor’s office files official charges.

Anyone with information is requested to call the IMPD Downtown District at (317) 327-6500. Alternatively, tips can be left anonymously with Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.