GARY, Ind. (WGN) — The Gary Police Department is investigating the death of a young child who was shot Saturday evening.
According to police, officers responded to a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 400 block of Madison Street just before 6:30 p.m.
Before officers arrived, Methodist Northlake Hospital in Gary reported that a nine-year-old gunshot victim had been brought to the hospital by a relative, where the child later died.
The child’s identity is not being released at this time out of respect for the family’s privacy, Gary police said.
In a statement, the Gary Police Department emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership and safety, urging firearm owners to properly secure their weapons to prevent accidental shootings.
Police say they are working with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office to promote community awareness and education about gun safety.
The Gary Police Department’s full statement is below:
“The tragic nature of this event underscores the critical importance of responsible gun ownership and rigorous gun safety practices. Every firearm owner has a duty to ensure that weapons are properly secured and stored away from minors and unauthorized individuals to prevent accidental shootings and devastating losses.
We understand the profound impact this heartbreaking loss has on our community. As we continue our investigation, we want to emphasize that it is essential to share only verified facts, particularly when children are involved. We consider it our responsibility to ensure that all information released is accurate and respectful. At this time, these are all the facts we can provide, and we will keep the public informed as the investigation progresses. The Gary Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragedy. We remain committed to a thorough and transparent investigation.”
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