Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.
INDIANAPOLIS A mother shot a convicted child molester multiple times inside an Indianapolis hotel room after allegedly walking in on him attempting to rape her 12-year-old daughter, court documents said.
Bruce Pierce of Indianapolis was critically injured in the shooting, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Pierce is charged with attempted rape, a Level 1 felony; attempted child molestation, a Level 1 felony; unlawful possession of a firearm, a Level 4 felony; and confinement, a Level 5 felony.
Court records show Pierce was previously convicted of child molestation in 2016. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
According to court documents, the shooting occurred on May 24 at the Baymont Inn on Eagle View Drive on the city’s northwest side.
The 12-year-old victim said she went with her great aunt to the hotel to find her mom. The victim’s mother was at the hotel with Pierce, who accompanied them to a room in the Baymont Inn.
According to the court documents, the mother temporarily left the 12-year-old girl alone in the hotel room with Pierce while she carried some bags out to a vehicle. The mother returned to find Pierce on top of the 12-year-old girl, in the process of taking her clothes off.
Pierce allegedly had a gun on him or near him during the alleged sexual assault, according to the witnesses. The victim told police he pinned her arms to the bed and ripped off her tank top.
The victim’s mother shouted at Pierce after spotting him on top of her daughter, pulling out her own gun and opening fire, court documents said. Pierce was struck by the gunfire and the mother and daughter fled the hotel.
Pierce was taken to the hospital and reported to be in critical condition on May 24. An update on his condition hasn’t been provided.
According to the court documents, the 12-year-old victim was taken to Riley Hospital for a checkup.
Despite initial confusion about Pierce’s current whereabouts, authorities confirm to affiliate WXIN that Pierce is still hospitalized. His warrant remains active.
