The Indiana State Police are investigating an officer-involved fatal shooting Saturday in New Chicago.
State police, in a release, said Hobart Fire Department paramedics and New Chicago Police responded to a call about 3:30 p.m. involving a deceased person in the 200 block of Huber Boulevard, less than a block from New Chicago Town Hall.
The release said the co-owner of the residence, who called 911, became agitated with police who requested an ambulance respond to the scene for a psychological evaluation on the agitated individual.
About 4:30 p.m., New Chicago Police radioed to dispatch that shots were fired inside the residence and the agitated subject was later found deceased inside the residence by officers and medics. No officers were injured during the incident.
Police said identification of the deceased will be released by the Lake County Coroner once family notification has been made. An autopsy will also be completed.
Police said it’s an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.
Once the investigation is completed, it will be turned over to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
New Chicago Police Chief Earl Mayo said in a statement said the officers involved were placed on paid administrative duty. He said they would be identified after they’ve been interviewed by state police investigators.
Mayo said he called the state police to “ensure full transparency and in an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
He added, “On behalf of the New Chicago Police Department, we want to express our deepest condolences to the family of those who lost their loved one on Saturday afternoon.”
“This is a tragic event, and our thoughts are with those who are grieving. We understand the seriousness of this incident and the impact it has on our small community. A thorough and transparent investigation is underway, and we are fully committed to ensuring the facts are brought forward.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.