HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) — According to police, a person of interest has been apprehended following a shooting incident at a pub in Northwest Indiana. The incident resulted in five individuals being shot, with two of them tragically losing their lives.
Hammond police officers responded to reports of gunfire at Portside Pub at 1516 Indianapolis Boulevard around 4 a.m.
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There, responding officers found five gunshot victims. Two died at the scene.
Reports indicate that one of the deceased victims was a male bartender employed at the pub. The other victim has been identified as Lorraine Reyna by her family members.
“We were all here to celebrate a birthday today,” mentioned Johnny Jernigan, a close friend of Reyna. “However, instead of a joyous occasion, we are now faced with deep sorrow and anger.”
Four of the people shot were trying to help someone involved in a domestic situation, but “their heroic efforts to stop the situation from escalating were met with violence,” police said in a press release.
“This didn’t have to happen. I can’t believe it,” Jernigan said.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott said the domestic dispute started in the parking lot.
“They were good Samaritans, simply trying to break up a domestic situation, and they lost their lives because of it,” McDermott said.
Three people were taken to local hospitals, police said. Two of them are in serious condition, and another is stable.
Paola Gaeta showed up to the scene in search of her brother before finding out he was among those injured.
“I can’t reach him. My brother’s car is still here,” Gaeta said. “But he was, like, at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
One southbound lane of Indianapolis Boulevard was temporarily closed as officers investigated.
“It’s so disheartening. This gun violence has to stop,” said Angelica Negron-Jernigan, Reyna’s close friend.’
Police the name of the person of interest will be released after formal charges are filed. Investigators believe there is no threat to the public.
Flowers now adorn the bullet-riddled front door of the pub.
Police asked anyone with information to contact them at 219-852-2906.
Authorities did not immediately provide further information.
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