Gary Man Fatally Shot at Local Bar; Suspect Quickly Arrested
A 34-year-old Gary man was fatally shot Tuesday night during an altercation at a local establishment.
Around 9:30 p.m. on August 19, Gary Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at the Thumbs Up Bar, located at 620 S. Lake Street. When officers arrived, they found the victim, identified as Robert Gaskin, 34, of Gary, collapsed just outside the business. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Gary Fire Department EMS.
According to investigators, the suspect entered the bar and briefly exchanged words with Gaskin before opening fire. Witnesses provided officers with a description that led to the suspect being quickly taken into custody nearby. Police believe the shooting was an isolated incident and say there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office responded at 10:02 p.m. and confirmed Gaskin died from gunshot wounds. His death has been ruled a homicide following a forensic autopsy conducted Wednesday at the Lake County Forensic Center in Crown Point.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the investigation, including the Gary Police Department, Gary Fire Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigators, and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force. Formal charges against the suspect are expected to be filed.
The Gary Police Department extended their condolences to the victim’s family and thanked community members whose cooperation helped secure a swift arrest.
