Fort Wayne Police have arrested a man accused of opening fire during a shooting that left multiple victims injured on the city’s south side. The incident occurred on December 4, 2025, in the 6700 block of South Lafayette Street, where officers were dispatched for a shooting investigation.

When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Police reported that some of the victims were transported to area trauma centers in life-threatening condition, while others had non-life-threatening injuries.

Homicide detectives launched a criminal investigation and identified 24-year-old Tristan Pernell as the suspect. According to the department, investigators determined that shots were fired into a gathering of people during the incident.

Police say Pernell was arrested on December 8. He faces the following preliminary charges:

• Attempted Murder
• Aggravated Battery
• Battery with a Deadly Weapon
• Criminal Recklessness – Shooting a Firearm into a Gathering

In a statement, the department said detectives “identified Pernell as the suspect following the initial response and investigation at the scene.”

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.