Overview

• Officers responded at 8:06 a.m. June 18 near Gateway Boulevard and Matson Drive after hotel staff reported a suspicious man.
• The suspect was identified on June 19 as 45-year-old Joseph Gerber of Winamac, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and additional bullet injuries, the Porter County Coroner’s Office said.
• A Chesterton police officer was treated for a gunshot wound at an Illinois hospital after being struck during the exchange of fire.
• Investigators have secured shell casings and a firearm from the scene as part of the ongoing probe into the circumstances of the confrontation.
• Two Chesterton officers involved in the incident have been placed on routine administrative leave while the Indiana State Police examine the shooting.