The Indianapolis community has been left shaken following a violent incident at a popular southside bar that left a local man, David Risley, fighting for his life.
What began as a night out ended in tragedy when Risley was critically injured in an aggravated assault at That Place Bar & Grill, located at 8810 S. Emerson Avenue, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
According to police reports from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), the altercation escalated into an assault that left David with severe head injuries, including multiple brain bleeds.
He was rushed to the hospital and remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where doctors continue to monitor his condition. Friends and family confirm that his situation is critical and that the road to recovery will be long and uncertain.
The assault has deeply affected those who know David, who describe him as a kind, hardworking man who is loved by his family and respected by his community. In the aftermath of the attack, those close to him have rallied together, sharing updates, organizing support, and encouraging donations to assist his family during this devastating time.
One close friend shared online that they had initially posted about the incident but later removed it at the request of David’s family, explaining: “I was too swarmed with questions about why I took it down, and to answer that, I took down the previous post at the family's request. He remains in critical condition. Please consider donating.” This message highlights both the sensitivity of the situation and the community’s overwhelming concern for David’s well-being.
As details continue to emerge, IMPD has confirmed that this is still an active investigation. At this time, no arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information about what occurred at the bar to come forward. Police are treating the matter as a serious aggravated assault and are working diligently to identify those responsible for the violence that left David fighting for his life.
Family members, meanwhile, are focused on staying by David’s side at the hospital. The emotional and financial toll of this tragedy has been heavy, with medical expenses and daily needs mounting as loved ones devote their energy to supporting him.
In response, friends and community members have organized fundraising efforts to provide much-needed assistance. Links have been shared widely on social media, with people across Indianapolis and beyond stepping up to donate, share encouraging words, and offer prayers for David’s recovery.
The incident at That Place Bar & Grill has also prompted broader conversations about bar safety and late-night violence in Indianapolis. Patrons of the establishment, as well as community members, are calling for greater accountability and proactive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
While the bar itself has not publicly commented on the incident at the time of this writing, the attack has drawn attention to the need for continued community vigilance and safety awareness.
As the investigation continues, David’s story is serving as a reminder of how quickly lives can be altered by a single act of violence. For his family, friends, and supporters, the immediate focus remains on his recovery. They continue to ask the public for both financial support and heartfelt prayers, knowing that David is facing the fight of his life.
Those who know him describe David Risley as someone with a strong character, a caring spirit, and a resilient heart. His loved ones remain hopeful that he will pull through this critical stage and begin the long journey toward healing.
In the meantime, they are determined to ensure that his story is heard, that justice is pursued, and that he has every resource available to give him the best chance of recovery.
Anyone wishing to help is encouraged to contribute to the fundraising efforts set up on behalf of his family and to keep them in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. As one friend poignantly wrote: “He is more than just a victim of this assault—he is a brother, a son, a friend, and someone who means the world to those who love him. We are not giving up hope.”
