Update On Southlake Mall Shooting
On Thursday, December 30, 2021 at approximately 11:20 AM the Hobart Police Department received several reports of gunshots fired near the food court, upper level, Southlake Mall, according to Lt. Russo of The Hobart Police.
Officers were on scene within minutes, made entry, and began searching for what was reported to be an active shooter. The Southlake Mall was immediately put on lock down as several other surrounding agencies responded to assist. It was determined there was no active shooter in the building; however, shots had been fired.
Officers then began systematically clearing the mall, escorting customers and employees out in a safe, orderly, fashion.
At this time there is no evidence anyone was struck by any of the gunfire, Russo told RNS. Officers determined approximately 5 shots were fired, causing damage to some glass and other building fixtures within the mall; but again, no person was believed to have been struck by any of the gunfire.
The mall will be closed the remainder of the day Thursday, December 30, 2021, and will reopen on December 31, 2021.
This incident is currently under investigation by the Hobart Police Department Investigations Division. At this time no one is in custody and no suspect information is being released. Anyone with any information, including witness statements, audio, or video recordings of the incident, are encouraged to contact Det. Wendell Hite at 219-942-1125 ext. 1145 and/or white@cityofhobart.org.
Hobart Police thanked the following agencies for their assistance in clearing the mall, blocking the entrances and exits, and assisting with the orderly evacuation of employees and customers: Lake County Sheriff Department, Indiana State Police, the FBI, the ATF, Merrillville Police Department, Crown Point Police Department, East Chicago Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Lake Station Police Department, St. John Police Department, Dyer Police Department, Schererville Police Department, Griffith Police Department, Cedar Lake Police Department, and the Winfield Police Department.
