Gary police shoot man after he refused to drop knife

1 month ago 7

GARY, Ind. (WISH) — Gary police were called to a welfare check that lead to a police shooting on Sunday, according to the Gary Police Department and Lake County Sherriff’s Department.

Around 4 p.m. police were called to a home in the 2100 block of Tennessee Street.

Police arrived at the home and a 20-year-old man ran. Police officers found him armed with a knife in an alley near 22nd Avenue and Ohio Street. Police ordered the man to drop the weapon. Police say the person refused to comply and advanced toward the officer.

In response to the threat, the officer discharged a weapon, striking the person.

Police said officers immediately rendered aid. The man was taken to a hospital in Chicago with a gunshot wound and self-inflicted stab wounds.

The names of the officer and the 20-year-old man had not been released as of Monday afternoon.

After Lake County Sheriff’s Office began an independent investigation into the police shooting, the officer was placed on administrative leave.

In a statement, Police Chief Derrick Cannon says, “Situations involving mental health crises are deeply tragic and the balance of keeping the community safe can often be a delicate matter. We understand the fragility involved in these moments and the profound impact they have on families and our community.”