Gary Man Killed In Shooting Friday; Munster Police Nab Suspect Shortly After
A 64-year-old Gary man was identified Saturday after he was shot and killed in a Gary Homicide Friday, according to The Lake County Coroner.
The shooting occurred in the 1100 block of E. 19th Ave in Gary Friday around 8:30 PM. Witnesses described a Dodge Durango leaving the scene and radio traffic indicated to officers the suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Around 9:30 PM Munster Police began tracking the suspect vehicle using the LPR system, according to Munster Police Chief Steve Scheckel. (License Plate Reader) Munster Police initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle near I-80 & Torrence in Illinois. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to Calumet City Police Department.
The victim was identified by the Lake County Coroner as Kevin Lee Johnson, 64, of Gary.
On December 10, 2022, Lake County Metro Homicide secured murder charges on Anthony Thomas for the murder of Kevin Johnson. He will await extradition back to Indiana.
“Great job by patrol officers responding to the scene securing the scene and immediately developing a person of interest,” Commander Jack Hamady said. “Patrol officers did an outstanding job relaying information and attempt to locate the suspect immediately. With their efforts and putting that information out for surrounding agencies, Munster PD was able to locate the vehicle using LPR technology quickly.”
Lake County Crime Lab processed the crime scene and vehicle, while metro detectives worked quickly to have the person of interest charged within 14 hours of the incident.
“Lake County Prosecutors office did a great job as well charging this individual with the murder,” Hamady added.
Anyone will additional information please contact Lake County Metro Homicide 219 755-3855 or 1 866-CRIME GP, Sgt Antwan Jakes.
