Authorities have apprehended a man suspected of being affiliated with the MS-13 gang and have charged him with attempted murder in southern Indiana, as reported by police.
According to the Clarksville Police Department, officers responded to a serious altercation around 10 p.m. on Saturday near Blackiston Mill Road and Marlowe Drive. They later determined that the incident was a targeted attack.
Police Chief Nathan Walls named the suspect as Mario Rios, who is thought to have ties to MS-13 based on his tattoos.
The U.S. Department of Justice categorizes MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha 13, as a well-structured gang that engages in various illegal activities and is infamous for its violent methods.
In an incident captured on video from March 9, 2025, the scene at a convenience store on Blackiston Mill Road and Marlowe Drive was where Rios allegedly assaulted another individual.
Walls reported that the victim suffered two stab wounds and a cut to the chest, resulting in serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Rios was located and arrested several hours later in Jeffersonville, believed to be at a residence linked to his mother.
“We have dedicated officers and detectives who actively pursue individuals committing violent crimes, and their efforts throughout the night were commendable,” Walls stated.
Witnesses at the scene attempted to intervene as Rios fled in his vehicle.
When questioned about the presence of other suspected gang members in Clarksville, Walls indicated that this is part of a broader national issue. “It would be naive to assume he is the only one in the area, and we are committed to ensuring the community feels safe while we address these matters.”
Clarksville police are currently working to authenticate Rios’ documentation regarding his citizenship status, with assistance from ICE, as noted by Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull.
Rios is being held on a full cash bond of $250,000, facing preliminary charges of attempted murder.
“The MS-13 gang has a notorious reputation for engaging in illegal and violent activities within communities; however, we are still investigating this case,” Mull remarked. “At this moment, I cannot confirm or deny whether this individual is indeed a gang member, but it remains under active investigation.”
Rios is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday. According to officials, he has no prior criminal record.