Undercover Operation in Gary Ends in Suspect's Death After Machete Attack on Veteran Officer

November 13, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2024

Gary, IND. – At approximately 12:20 PM, in the 3400 block of Maryland Street, members of the Gary Police Department’s Investigation Unit conducted an operation involving an undercover officer. This operation was initiated following a surge in robbery reports related to social media marketplace exchanges.

The Gary Police Department had been receiving numerous reports of robberies linked to social media marketplace transactions since October 2024. In response, an undercover operation was set up, during which officers posed as buyers with the goal of apprehending the suspect.

A 32-year veteran of the Gary Police Department approached the suspect to initiate the exchange. During this interaction, the suspect attacked the officer with a machete style weapon.

The nearby reaction team witnessed the encounter, and an officer discharged their firearm at the suspect.

The suspect was subsequently shot and transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The injured police officer is currently in stable condition and receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department is investigating this case. The officer involved in the incident will be placed on administrative leave pending investigation.

Media Contact:

Commander Jack Hamady

Gary Police Department Public Information Officer

jhamady@gary.gov

Erika Blackwell

Chief Communications Officer

City of Gary
em: eblackwell@gary.gov

###

March 6, 2026
City of Gary Park Department and Ecorealm LLC Announce Prescribed Burn at Brunswick Park
March 5, 2026
City of Gary Secures Historic "Indiana Main Street" Designation for Midtown Corridor
February 27, 2026
Prescribed Burn Scheduled at Marquette Park
February 23, 2026
Citywide Blight Blitz: Mayor Melton and Volunteer Contractors Mark 3 years of Partnership with a Coordinated Campaign to Clear Unsafe Homes and Spark New Growth.
February 20, 2026
Citywide Blight Blitz: 60 Structures. 5 Neighborhoods. One Massive Cleanup.
More Articles >>