Gary Officer Stable After Being Shot Monday
Around 12:57 PM Monday February 7, 2022, a Gary Police Officer called out an active shooter situation in the area of 1500 W. 5th Ave. A Sergeant in the area responding to back up the call then witnessed a crash near 4th & Lincoln. The sergeant activated his lights to investigate and was shot in the shoulder by possibly two suspects near the area of 4th & Lincoln. A security guard working nearby heard over a dozen rounds fired from what sounded like a long barrel rifle.
The Gary Sergeant, a 32-year-veteran was immediately transported a block over to Northlake Methodist where he was talking to fellow officers in stable condition. The officer has since been transported to Chicago for further treatment.
A multiagency search for the suspect began promptly. About 20 minutes into the search a suspect was taken into custody after being found in an abandoned building near 4th & Buchanan. A possible second suspect who was being sought ended with no results, however police had time to review the cameras and conduct interviews, it was determined only one suspect was involved and he is in custody.
Multiple agencies including SWAT & FBI were working the area and investigating. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department was also assisting with their Command Center, High Crimes Unit, Detective Bureau and Patrol Unit, Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said.
“I am thankful the officer is in stable condition, and he is receiving the best possible medical care,” Gary Mayor Jerome Prince said. “I visited with the officer briefly, and I am relieved to say he is doing well.”
“Working with deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s office, our Gary Police Department has apprehended a suspect in this incident,”Prince stated.
“Our Gary Police Department has made significant progress in making our city safer, but, as today reminds us, our dedicated men and women on the police force put their lives and well-being on the line every day to serve and protect us. It can be dangerous work, and I thank each and every one of them,” Prince added.
