East Chicago Shooter Claims He Was Hired To Shoot
On February 2, 2025 East Chicago Police were dispatched to a shots fired call in the 2500 block of Cardinal Dr. Upon arrival, the ECPD made contact with 3 males who stated they were inside their home when they heard gunfire. The victims reported hearing 5 shots and that the shooter was a Hispanic male in a short framed white transit van, according to court documents.
The victim informed the ECPD Officer that he saw the driver of the white van and identified him as Israel Castro. The Officer was able to retrieve video of the event, which showed a short white transit van proceed through the intersection of Cardinal Drive and Arbutus Lane, and then eastbound towards Guadalupe Circle. Multiple gunshots are heard on the video.
The ECPD Officer canvassed the area for casings and damage from the shooting. The officer observed what appeared to be a single gunshot entrance into the rear bumper of the car parked in the driveway, 2 mangled projectile fragments near the driver side door of the vehicle, as well as a single gunshot to the entrance into the garage door.
Gary Police were able to locate the white transit van on the 3900 block of 15th Avenue in Gary. The driver was identified as Israel Castro, and a passenger was later identified as Jose Rubio-Petrola. Gary PD advised that Castro informed them there was a weapon inside the vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently towed, and Castro and Rubio-Petrola were taken into custody.
On February 3rd, 2025, Israel Castro was interviewed after he was informed of his Miranda rights. Castro stated he was going to purchase narcotics from an individual and this individual asked him if he wanted to work for him. The individual gave Israel Castro a “job” to shoot up the house, located in East Chicago. Castro explained that he accepted this ”job” and that he drove to the house in East Chicago. Castro was able to explain how the shooting occurred, explaining that he stuck his right hand out the window and began shooting towards the garage “just to scare them”. Castro advised he shot “like three times” before driving away. A search warrant was obtained for the transit van and a Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Shield was located.
Police learned that both subjects were undocumented immigrants and were referred to ICE for warrants on deportation.
