Two Shot Outside Graduation Ceremony At Railcats Stadium
On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at approximately 6:13 PM Gary Police Officers responded to a call for assistance due to shots fired at the RailCats Baseball Stadium where West Side High School had graduation ceremonies, according to Lt. Dawn Westerfield.
Gary Police told RNS around 5:13 PM they were originally called in reference to a fight taking place inside the stadium seating. At 5:41 PM police were advised everything was ok and officers were already on scene. Gary Police made contact with The Gary School Corporation who advised them that Lake County Sheriff Officers were working security at the ceremony.
A witness in the stands told RNS the fight was over a person standing up to take a picture of the ceremony. Punches were thrown during the altercation including injuries to innocent bystanders who attempted to break up the fight, the witness told RNS. One of these subjects was treated on scene. The subjects fighting were allowed to stay after the disturbance was broken up, according to the witness. The witnesses then told officers that some people had left to get guns but believed the police had brushed off their warning.
At 6:13 PM Gary Police said graduates and guests were exiting the stadium when shots erupted outside of the stadium near Lot B.
At 6:14 PM a 19-year-old male was found shot in the chest on 5th Ave. The male was transported to Methodist Hospital Northlake for treatment by Gary Medics.
Officers immediately took a 20-year-old male suspect from Hammond with handgun into custody.
Minutes later at 6:16 PM a second gun shot victim was found at a BBQ restaurant across the street from the stadium. This 19-year-old female was shot in her ankle and also transported to Methodist Northlake for treatment.
Two additional male juvenile suspects were taken into custody shortly after the shooting by Lake County Sheriff Officers.
Additional officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and Lake Station Police Department responded to assist in securing the scene and getting people out of the area safely.
Gary Community School Corporation released the following statement regarding the shooting, “A day that was meant for celebration has now been marked by tragedy through senseless acts of gun violence. During the entire graduation, our students conducted themselves in an excellent manner. Meanwhile, the disruptive actions of a few overshadowed their special moment.”
“Thankfully, the offenders have been apprehended, but it doesn’t change the hurt and disappointment our students, families and school community are now feeling. Our prayers are with those injured, and we continue to extend our congratulations to WSLA graduates. They deserve it.” – Dr. Paige McNulty, Manager GCSC
The investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Gary Police Detective Sergeant Nielsen at 219-881-1210 or the Crime Tip Line at 866-CRIME-GP.
