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INDIANAPOLIS — A man was in critical condition after being shot Friday night and staggering to a nearby church for help, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said. 

The shooting occurred as a community peace march was concluding about 2 miles away.

Police were sent about 7:55 p.m. to Temple of Believers church, 5230 E. 38th St. That’s a couple blocks east of Emerson Avenue on the city’s east side. 

IMPD Patrolman Michael Hewitt said the man, who was initially breathing but not awake, was taken to an area hospital. He was stable in critical condition, police said. 

Police at the scene were trying to determine if the shooting occurred at a nearby Conoco gas station, 5273 E. 38th St. However, police said, they are not sure where the shooting occurred. 

No additional information, including whether a suspect is at large, was immediately available. 

Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition, the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 86 and other groups at 7 p.m. began a community peace march at 34th Street and North Keystone Avenue. The march came after a recent increase in violence in the city. Last weekend, at least six people were murdered, organizers noted.

Hundreds attended, including community leaders, IMPD officers, concerned citizens and family members of victims to violence.  

Many chanted “stop the violence” and “peace in the streets.”

An IMPD deputy chief said it was frustrating to have a shooting in the peace walk.

(Photo: WISH-TV)