On Thursday, November 4, the Indiana State Police District 13 Criminal Investigations Division was contacted by the Hammond Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred at the intersection of Orchard Ave. and Rhode Island. Preliminary investigation shows that at approximately 3:30 a.m., officers with the Hammond Police Department as well as the Hammond Fire Department were dispatched to the location for a welfare check and possible vehicle fire. The 911 caller had reported a vehicle crash at that location. Officers located a blue 2013 Infiniti SUV. The officers observed a single male occupant in the vehicle and made several attempts to have him exit the vehicle, but he refused. During this encounter, the suspect eventually exited the vehicle while holding a handgun and was subsequently shot by an officer. A large capacity drum magazine was also located in the driver's area of the vehicle. Officers immediately began to render first aid to the suspect. The suspect was transported via ambulance to the University of Illinois Chicago Hospital for treatment and is currently in stable condition. No officers were injured during the incident.
This is an ongoing investigation. The identity of the suspect will be released once charges have been filed with the Lake County Prosecutor's Office.
At the request of the Hammond Police Department, the following information is being released. "The officer involved in this shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave as is department policy following an officer involved shooting. The officer’s name will be released later. To allow for a thorough and complete investigation by the Indiana State Police, no further information on the officer or the incident will be made available until the investigation has been completed."
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.