Griffith Bar Shooting Suspect In Custody
At approximately 2:24 AM, on 12/10/23, Griffith officers were notified of a disturbance and a gun being discharged in front of 1813 W Glen Park Ave, in Griffith, at Shades of Time Bar.
Officers immediately responded to the scene where they located a victim, who was transported to the hospital with injuries related to being shot with a firearm.
Investigators obtained security video footage that captured the suspect, later identified as Justin Gomez, leaving the bar. A review of the video showed that Gomez proceeded to immediately physically assault a male outside. He then produced a semi-automatic pistol and fired two shots, hitting the victim. He immediately fled from the scene as police were summoned to the scene by witnesses, via 911.
A review of the criminal history of Justin Gomez showed that, on 10/10/2023, he was convicted of Criminal Recklessness Committed While Armed with a Deadly Weapon. As a result of the conviction, Gomez is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was presented to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office and the suspect, Justin Gomez, age 26, of East Chicago, was charged with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Battery, Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon, Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.
On 12/15/23, investigators with the Griffith and Hammond Police Departments located and took Justin Gomez into custody at his place of employment in Hammond. Gomez was transported to the Lake County Jail and is currently being held without bond.
The Griffith Police Department thanked the Highland, Munster, Lake County, Hammond, and East Chicago Police Departments, and the Office of the Lake County Prosecutor for their assistance with this incident and subsequent investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective John Mowery at 219-924- 7503 x256 or john.mowery@griffith.in.gov. Anonymous tips may also be left by calling 219-922-3085
