EC Man Alleges On Duty Gary Officer Assaulted Him
On March 15, 2021 at approximately 3AM East Chicago Police received a complaint regarding an on-duty Gary Police Officer physically assaulting an individual in our city, according to Deputy Chief Jose Rivera.
The complainant / victim Artemio Perez-Hernandez of East Chicago stated that on March 15, 2021 at approximately 3AM he was standing outside of the Lag Inn which is located at 4801 Olcott Avenue in East Chicago. He stated that he was waiting for the bartender “Diane” to give him a ride home. When he observed a black police SUV pull up alongside him. He then stated that Gary Police Officer Emiliano Guajardo exited the police car in full uniform and began to question him about standing outside.
The victim stated that he told Officer Emiliano Guajardo that he was waiting on a ride home from the bartender. At that time Officer Guajardo offered him a ride home and told him to get inside the squad car. The victim got inside the squad car and Officer Guajardo closed the door and walked away. A short time later Officer Guajardo came back to the squad car, opened the door and asked him to step out of the vehicle. Once he stepped out of the squad car he alleges Officer Guajardo struck him in the face with a closed fist, causing swelling to the ear and jaw of the victim. Officer Guajardo then allegedly threw the victim down to the ground, yelled profanity at him, entered his squad car and drove away. The victim was transported by ambulance to St. Catherine Hospital where he was treated and released for his injuries, Rivera said.
On March 15, 2021 at approximately 3PM Officer Emiliano Guajardo came to the East Chicago Police Department with his wife Dinorah Lemus and requested to file an intimidation report against Artemio Perez-Hernandez. Officer Guajardo and his wife both claim that Artemio Perez-Hernandez threatened both of them while at 4801 Olcott Avenue. Mrs. Lemus stated that she is a bartender at that location and that around closing time Mr. Perez-Hernandez offered to warm up her car. She then stated that when she went to her car that Mr. Perez-Hernandez was sitting in the driver’s seat of her car. He allegedly stated that he would drive her home. Mrs. Lemus stated that she declined his request and demanded that he exit her car. She then stated that Mr. Perez-Hernandez exited the car and entered the passenger side of the vehicle before she could lock the door.
Mrs. Lemus then stated that at some point Mr. Perez-Hernandez brandished a knife and told her to drive. She then stated that before she could call 911 or exit the vehicle her husband Officer Guajardo showed up and ordered Mr. Perez-Hernandez out of the vehicle. Once Mr. Perez-Hernandez exited the vehicle he allegedly threatened to gut the both of them before fleeing on foot to parts unknown.
East Chicago Criminal Investigation Division initially investigated the case and reviewed video footage of the incident. EC Police will be forwarding the case to the Indiana State Police since it alleges an on duty officer was involved, Rivera said.
Gary Officer Emiliano Guajardo is currently on desk duty pending the investigation.
