GARY — A Gary man has been charged with murder in connection with a June 8 shooting outside a local restaurant that left a Chicago man dead.

According to court documents, 32-year-old Terrence Devontae McCoy was arrested June 14 on an outstanding murder warrant obtained by Detective Morgan Salazar of the East Chicago Police Department and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force. McCoy is charged with Murder and a Firearm Enhancement in the death of 35-year-old Darius Moffett of Chicago.

Police were dispatched shortly after the shooting to Perros Brothers Restaurant, located in the 3100 block of Richard Gordon Hatcher Boulevard in Gary. Investigators located several 9mm shell casings at the scene.

An autopsy conducted by the Lake County Coroner’s Office determined Moffett suffered gunshot wounds to the head, torso, and right forearm. His death was ruled a homicide.

According to witness statements and surveillance video cited in the affidavit, Moffett had just picked up food from the restaurant and was preparing to leave when he encountered McCoy at the entrance.

Witnesses told investigators the two men appeared to bump shoulders as McCoy entered the restaurant. After a brief exchange, McCoy allegedly asked Moffett twice, “Are we good, bro?” before pulling a handgun from his waistband.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows Moffett walking toward a gray Hyundai in the parking lot while McCoy followed him outside with a firearm drawn. Investigators allege the video shows McCoy raising the gun and opening fire as Moffett sat down in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Witnesses stated Moffett attempted to de-escalate the confrontation, with one witness recalling him saying, “It doesn’t have to be like that.”

According to investigators, Moffett then produced his own firearm and returned fire after being shot. He collapsed moments later in the parking lot.

McCoy was also struck by gunfire during the exchange. Witnesses reported seeing him assisted into a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, which fled the scene.

Using FLOCK license plate reader technology, investigators tracked the Jeep to Methodist Northlake Hospital. Detectives later learned McCoy had been transferred to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound to the neck.

Police subsequently located the Jeep near McCoy’s Gary residence. Court records state detectives observed what appeared to be blood inside the vehicle. A search warrant executed at the residence allegedly resulted in the recovery of ammunition, including 9mm rounds, and the frame of a handgun without a barrel.

When detectives contacted McCoy at the hospital, he reportedly declined to provide a statement and requested an attorney.

Investigators later identified McCoy as the alleged shooter through surveillance video and Bureau of Motor Vehicles photographs.

If convicted of Murder and the accompanying Firearm Enhancement, McCoy faces up to 85 years in prison.

The investigation was led by Detective Morgan Salazar and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, Indiana State Police, Indiana State Excise Police, Lake County CSI, and the Lake County Coroner’s Office.

Anyone with information regarding the homicide is asked to contact Detective Salazar at 219-755-3855.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.