INDIANAPOLIS — Jamaal Tinsley of the Indiana Pacers and several companions were shot at in three of Tinsley's vehicles by someone armed with an assault rifle outside the Conrad Hotel in downtown Indianapolis early today, wounding a person who was with the athlete.
Police said Joey Qatato, 48, was struck in both elbows as he sat with Tinsley in the player's Rolls Royce. The Pacers' website identifies Qatato as the team's equipment manager.
Sgt. Paul Thompson, a spokesman for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, said two of the vehicles in Tinsley's group followed the shooters in a chase to Monument Circle, and Tinsley's brother, James, returned fire at the attackers. It was unknown whether anyone was hit. Jamaal Tinlsey was not involved in the chase, Thompson said.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank told the Associated Press: "We are gathering details but before we know more, it's inappropriate for us to comment."
Authorities were called to the hotel where the initial shooting occurred at 50 W. Washington St. about 3:40 a.m.
Thompson said the incident began at a club called "Cloud 9" on West 38th Street. A group was giving members of Tinsley's crew a hard time about the expensive cars they were driving – a Mercedes, Rolls Royce and a Dodge Charger – and the amount of money they made.
Tinsley's group left the club but realized that they were being followed by a gray Chrysler and a dark pickup, Thompson said, so they pulled into the Conrad instead of going home.
The shooting began after they reached the hotel, police said. The Rolls Royce was struck by several bullets. The Charger also was struck and was found to have five bullet holes, Thompson said.
Police said the suspected weapon is a .223 assault rifle.
Only one person was arrested on the scene — Antoine Toon, 31, a member of the Tinsley group wanted on an unrelated warrant out of Georgia.
Thompson said it could be determined later today whether James Tinsley, who had a gun permit, will face charges for returning fire at the other vehicles. Meanwhile, authorities are looking for the two vehicles driven by those who shot at Tinsley's group as they investigate the incident.
Tinsley is scheduled to stand trial next month. He and teammate Marquis Daniels are due in court Jan. 14 on charges stemming from a bar fight at the 8 Seconds Saloon. A grand jury indicted Tinsley on a felony charge of intimidation, and misdemeanor counts of battery, disorderly conduct and intimidation from the Feb. 6 incident. Daniels is charged with battery and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
Police said Joey Qatato, 48, was struck in both elbows as he sat with Tinsley in the player's Rolls Royce. The Pacers' website identifies Qatato as the team's equipment manager.
Sgt. Paul Thompson, a spokesman for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, said two of the vehicles in Tinsley's group followed the shooters in a chase to Monument Circle, and Tinsley's brother, James, returned fire at the attackers. It was unknown whether anyone was hit. Jamaal Tinlsey was not involved in the chase, Thompson said.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank told the Associated Press: "We are gathering details but before we know more, it's inappropriate for us to comment."
Authorities were called to the hotel where the initial shooting occurred at 50 W. Washington St. about 3:40 a.m.
Thompson said the incident began at a club called "Cloud 9" on West 38th Street. A group was giving members of Tinsley's crew a hard time about the expensive cars they were driving – a Mercedes, Rolls Royce and a Dodge Charger – and the amount of money they made.
Tinsley's group left the club but realized that they were being followed by a gray Chrysler and a dark pickup, Thompson said, so they pulled into the Conrad instead of going home.
The shooting began after they reached the hotel, police said. The Rolls Royce was struck by several bullets. The Charger also was struck and was found to have five bullet holes, Thompson said.
Police said the suspected weapon is a .223 assault rifle.
Only one person was arrested on the scene — Antoine Toon, 31, a member of the Tinsley group wanted on an unrelated warrant out of Georgia.
Thompson said it could be determined later today whether James Tinsley, who had a gun permit, will face charges for returning fire at the other vehicles. Meanwhile, authorities are looking for the two vehicles driven by those who shot at Tinsley's group as they investigate the incident.
Tinsley is scheduled to stand trial next month. He and teammate Marquis Daniels are due in court Jan. 14 on charges stemming from a bar fight at the 8 Seconds Saloon. A grand jury indicted Tinsley on a felony charge of intimidation, and misdemeanor counts of battery, disorderly conduct and intimidation from the Feb. 6 incident. Daniels is charged with battery and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
