OPHS delays Fountain Square homeless camp closure, updates in 'coming days'

INDIANAPOLIS — Two days have passed since the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and safety was originally supposed to clear a homeless encampment along Leonard Street in Fountain Square. Now, city leaders are extending the deadline, but the new deadline is unclear.

OPHS director Andrew Merkley told 13News public safety concerns in the camp have been addressed. Merkley said individuals responsible for specific crimes, such as firing a gun and animal cruelty, are now in custody.

He said those kinds of crimes are what led to the decision to close the camp. With progress made, Merkley said OPHS now needs more time to make the next steps.

"We will have updates to come in the coming days," Merkley said. "I think it's important to note that we don't want to move individuals into other neigh