On May 31, 2020, the Hobart Police Department requested that the Lake County Sheriff’s Department respond to the Westfield Southlake Mall property in Hobart in reference to an unplanned demonstration. Police observed a peaceful demonstration which was allowed to continue for several hours. Lake County officers, as well as those from Hobart Police Department and the Indiana State Patrol were initially on standby out of sight, allowing the demonstration to proceed. Eventually, the peaceful protesters left the area. We received intelligence from social media and other sources that remaining subjects intended to engage in civil unrest, which included plans to loot businesses in the area; and officers moved in for safety reasons. At least two businesses had windows broken, and subjects also attempted to gain entry into businesses. Rocks, bottles and other objects were thrown at our officers; and two of them sustained minor injuries.
At one point, an unruly crowd of subjects headed onto U.S. 30 and attempted to enter onto Interstate 65, and rubber bullets and tear gas were deployed.
Ten adults and four juveniles were arrested. The information on the adults is listed at the end of this press release.
“I’m extremely proud of the restraint and professionalism Lake County officers exhibited during this incident,” said Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. “It is disappointing that a crowd of people would seek to destroy the theme of what started as a peaceful protest by resorting to violence and property damage,” Sheriff Martinez said.
LIST OF ADULTS ARRESTED
Mitchel, Tracee Lavette, Female, 10/18/91, Merrillville, IN, Disorderly Conduct & Resisting Law Enforcement, Posted Bond $500
