GARY — NIPSCO temporarily paused storm restoration work involving crews in Gary Saturday morning after a utility vehicle carrying workers was struck numerous times by gunfire overnight.
Video obtained by Region News Source shows a NIPSCO SUV with numerous apparent bullet holes following the incident. According to information provided to RNS, the crew was driving when someone opened fire on the vehicle multiple times. One of the bullets reportedly entered the vehicle and lodged in the back of the driver’s headrest.
Despite the gunfire, no NIPSCO employees or contractors were reported injured.
NIPSCO acknowledged what it called a “serious incident” involving crews supporting the ongoing historic storm restoration effort and said it is working closely with law enforcement.
As a direct result of the shooting, NIPSCO temporarily paused crew restoration activities within the City of Gary while security measures are evaluated. Restoration work continues elsewhere across northern Indiana.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton confirmed that a NIPSCO vehicle was struck by gunfire while utility crews were working to restore electricity following Tuesday’s catastrophic storms.
“This type of violence is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the City of Gary,” Melton said. “These crews are here for one reason—to help our residents and restore electricity to families who have already endured days without power.”
At NIPSCO’s request, the City of Gary is now coordinating with Gary Police, Indiana State Police and state officials to provide additional protection so crews can safely return to restoration work.
Indiana State Police is deploying additional troopers to Gary to assist local law enforcement and help protect the utility crews.
The incident comes at an especially critical time for Gary. Thousands of residents have already endured several days without electricity following the devastating August 11 storm, and utility crews from across the region and country are working to rebuild heavily damaged portions of the electrical system.
Melton acknowledged residents’ frustration but urged the community to support the workers trying to restore the city.
“We are bringing every available resource to the table so that crews can get back to work safely and power can be restored as quickly as possible,” Melton said.
NIPSCO says it will provide additional information as it becomes available.
⚠️ This remains an active law enforcement investigation. Additional details surrounding the shooting have not yet been released.
Video with this post shows the damage sustained by the NIPSCO vehicle.
