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Gary, IN- The Gary Police Department, in collaboration with the Department of Code Enforcement, has arrested a suspect involved in illegal tire dumping following an investigation that began earlier this month. On March 5, 2025, the Gary Police Department received a tip about a grey Chevy truck dumping tires behind 38th and Broadway. Officers were able to track the vehicle through the city's automated license plate reader system.
Following investigative leads, on March 7, 2025, Gary Police Officers and Code Enforcement visited Lake County Collision Center located at 3734 Malcolm X Drive. During this inspection, officers observed stacks of tires inside the building. The business owner was questioned regarding his business practices. After determining the establishment was operating without proper business licenses, Code Enforcement issued multiple citations for violations and shut down the business.
On March 14, 2025, the investigation continued as officers tracked the suspect vehicle in East Chicago and Gary. Through interdepartmental cooperation, Hammond Police Department located the suspect vehicle in the 4700 block of Johnson Avenue in Hammond. Officers observed a male enter the vehicle that matched the one seen in surveillance footage dumping tires. Hammond Police initiated a traffic stop, and Gary Police Officers arrived on scene to arrest Armando Ignacio Martinez, 49, of South Holland, Illinois.
Martinez was transported to the Gary Police Department for booking without incident. The vehicle was impounded.
Illegal dumping is a widespread problem in Gary and poses a significant public safety issue. Dumped materials, particularly tires, create health hazards, increase fire risks, and degrade the quality of life in our neighborhoods. The Gary Police Department remains firmly committed to combatting illegal dumping throughout the city. We thank the Hammond Police Department and our community members for their assistance in this investigation.
Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping by using the Gary’s 311 line (219) 881- 1311 or use the city's Text-to-Tip line (219) 207-8477.
Media Contact:
Captain Samuel Roberts
Gary Police Department
sroberts@gary.gov
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Gary, IN – In a groundbreaking collaborative effort, the Gary Police Department and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force have partnered with DNA.solves.com to utilize advanced DNA technology in identifying human remains that have been unidentified for over 24 years. This initiative is a critical step toward providing long-awaited closure for a family who has suffered the loss of a loved one.
Thanks to innovative DNA testing techniques now available, investigators are optimistic about finally determining the identity of these remains. To help offset the substantial costs associated with this expensive testing, the Gary Police Department has initiated the donation process with an initial contribution of $500. They are now inviting community members, and supporters to contribute further to this essential cause.
For a summary of the case details and to make a donation, please visit the Othram donation page at:
https://dnasolves.com/articles/lake-county-john-doe-2001-indiana/
Any contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to uncovering the truth and delivering much-needed closure to the affected family.
Media Contact:
Commander Jack Hamady
Gary Police Department
Email: Jhamady@gary.gov
Below is a summary of the case and a link to Othram for donations.
In January 2001, the remains of an unknown individual were discovered in Gary, Indiana. Gary is located in Lake County on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Investigators responded to the scene and determined that the remains were that of a Black male who was 20 to 29 years old with black hair and brown eyes. The man weighed approximately 157 pounds and stood 5’7” tall. An autopsy was conducted where several identifying characteristics were noted, including a bump described as either a cyst or a birthmark near the right elbow along with a tattoo on the left shoulder, believed to be the letter "R". It was determined that the man’s manner of death was homicide. The man could not be identified and he became known as Lake County John Doe.
At the time that his body was discovered, the man was carrying an identification card for the Arizona Boys Ranch, a now-closed boot-camp boarding school that once served 13 to 18 year old boys. The ID card belonged to another individual and it is unknown if Lake County John Doe had any connections to the Arizona Boys Ranch. At the time that his body was discovered, the man was fully-dressed, wearing a reversible jacket with the word “Chicago” on one side and the word “New York” on the other side, a black mesh shirt with a red tank top, size 32x32 blue jeans, and black Sketchers tennis shoes with white socks. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP13482. Despite investigators’ efforts to name the man, his identity has been a mystery for more than two decades.
In late 2024, the Gary Police Department and Indiana's Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing could help to identify Lake County John Doe. Othram scientists will work to develop a suitable DNA extract so that a comprehensive DNA profile can be developed for the man using Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team will use this profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new leads in the case.
Anyone with information that could assist in identifying the individual is encouraged to contact Investigator Nicholas Wardrip at 219-900-4388 or email at ntwardrip@lakepros.org. A DNASolves® crowdfund has been established to cover the casework costs. Anyone can contribute here.
Gary, IND. On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Gary Police Department held a press conference announcing the arrest of the suspect involved in the September 6, 2024, fatal shooting of 42-year-old Kia Tidwell.
On January 10, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect who was charged with murder as well as other felonies. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Tedric Guy Jr. from Gary, was apprehended on January 27, 2025, by members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF).
“First and foremost, I continue to extend my deepest condolences to the Tidwell family as they navigate the enduring pain of their loss,” stated Mayor Eddie Melton. “I want to thank the Gary Police Department, the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the ATF for their persistent efforts in holding accountable the individual responsible for this tragic crime. Their dedication has provided a long-awaited sense of closure and justice for the Tidwell family.”
The incident occurred on September 6, 2024, when Gary Police responded to a report of a disturbance at a McDonald’s located at 5th Avenue and Grant Street. Camera footage obtained by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force shows evidence leading up to the shooting that took place in the area of the restaurant. During the gunfire, Kia Tidwell was driving eastbound on West 5th Avenue and tragically crossed into the suspect's line of fire and was struck in the head, causing her vehicle to crash into a nearby tree.
During the investigation, Detective Roger Escutia with the Lake County Prosecutor’s homicide Task Force received multiple anonymous tips identifying the shooter in the incident.
"To solve this case, we relied on the support of many community members who shared information and tips," added Chief Cannon. "Technology was also a critical factor. We were able to track and identify the suspect through detailed analysis of cell phone and social media activity. We also leveraged forensic evidence as well as the ATF's firearms database to match shell casings from the crime scene.”
Click here to watch the press conference.
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
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Gary, IN- At approximately 4:55pm on January 11, 2025, the Gary Police Department received a call for service from a mother referencing a family dispute involving her son inside a residence located in the 2300 block of Waverly Drive. The residence had been the subject of multiple police calls in 2024.
Upon arrival officers met with the mother at the front door of the residence. The mother immediately advised officers that her son had guns and that he was inside the residence. Officers encountered the adult male son inside the residence, armed with a handgun in each hand. The officers attempted to reason with him, asking him to put down the guns. The male appeared to be upset with his mother and made threatening statements toward his mother and the officers.
The male posed a threat to the mother and officers on the scene, causing an officer to discharge their firearm at the male. The male was then secured and disarmed of the two handguns he possessed. The Gary Fire Department was called to the scene and transported the male to Methodist Northlake Hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The scene was secured by responding officers.
The male was identified as a 23-year-old from Gary, Indiana. The Lake County Sheriff is investigating this case. Both officers involved in the case have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
“My condolences go out to the family and loved ones grieving the loss of this young man’s life,” said Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon. “Any loss of life in our community is a profound tragedy. Currently, as the Lake County Sheriff is conducting an independent investigation, we are limited in our ability to disclose information regarding this case. I ask that the public be mindful and patient until all the facts are known.”
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
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Gary, IND. – The Gary Police Department has released its 2024 Public Safety Report, detailing a significant year in crime reduction. The report highlights notable decreases in violent crime, fatal traffic accidents, and increases in proactive patrols compared to previous years.
In 2024, the Gary Police Department progressed in its mission to reduce crime and enhance public safety across the city. Non-fatal shootings dropped to 132 incidents, reflecting a 10% decrease compared to the previous year's 147 incidents. Homicides also saw a decline, falling from 52 in 2023 by 23% to a total of 40 cases —the lowest number recorded since 2018. The department’s homicide closure rate reached 74% surpassing the national average of 57.8%.
“Safety is my top priority,” stated Mayor Melton. “I’m deeply proud of the men and women of the Gary Police Department who work tirelessly every day to protect and serve our community. In 2024, we were focused on creating a culture of accountability and transparency within the Gary Police Department. I thank Chief Derrick Cannon for his leadership in driving significant improvements in operations and safety. This year we will focus on strengthening relationships in our community through programming aimed at crime prevention and intervention. I am confident that Gary Police Department will continue to make our city a safer place for all residents."
Proactive policing played a critical role in the department's achievements. Extra patrols and premise checks more than doubled from 4,507 in 2023 to 9,809, marking a 118% rise as the department prioritized crime prevention and community engagement. Reports of shots fired decreased by 17%, with 1,368 incidents recorded versus 1,644 incidents recorded in 2023.
“I’m pleased with the progress made by the Gary Police Department in 2024. Through more proactive policing, we’ve taken a strong stance on crime prevention,” stated Chief Cannon. “The improvements we've made are a direct result of our commitment to staying ahead of criminal activity and building relationships with community partners who can help solve more cases."
The Gary Police Department's traffic enforcement efforts yielded significant results in 2024. Citations issued increased by 148%, totaling 9,679 versus 3,903 in 2023, while tows and impounds increased by 18%, with 3,081 vehicles removed from city streets versus 2,608 in 2023. Non-fatal accidents declined slightly by 3%, dropping from 3,303 to 3,196 and fatal accidents saw a dramatic reduction of 39%, dropping to 11 cases versus 18 cases in 2023.
The department made significant progress in combatting general and narcotics-related crimes. A total of 163 defendants were charged in connection with general crimes, resulting in 506 felony charges and 87misdemeanor charges—a combined total of 593 charges filed.
In narcotics enforcement, 86 arrests were made, with 52 defendants formally charged, leading to the filing of112 felony charges and 40 misdemeanor charges aimed at disrupting illegal drug activity within the city.
Additionally, the SWAT team conducted 55 operations throughout the year, leading to the detention of 72 individuals and the confiscation of 37 firearms. This represents a 38% increase in operations compared to 40in 2023, an 11% decrease in detainees compared to 81 in 2023, and a 9% increase in guns seized compared to 34 in 2023.
"On behalf of the Gary Police Department, I want to thank our Gary residents for their support in 2024,” said Chief Cannon. "Keeping our streets safe is a community effort, and we have been able to do more this year thanks to information and tips shared by citizens who care deeply for their community. In 2025, we will continue to focus on recruiting, retention, and investments in equipment and training for our officers. We look forward to working together with the community to build a safer Gary.”
Media Contact:
Erika Blackwell
off: (219) 806-6489
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Last week, Gary Police Department was made aware of a list of missing people circulating on social media. The information on this list was inaccurate, due to outdated information. We deeply regret any confusion or distress this may have caused.
Today, January 10, 2024, we are releasing an updated list of missing persons from 2024. The Gary Police Department will work proactively with all Indiana State Agency partners to ensure that published information in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS) represents the most up-to-date information available to the public.
The Gary Police department is currently working on the active cases below and appreciates the community's support in sharing any tips or information on the missing persons listed. We urge the public to contact the Gary Police Department at (219) 881-1229 or use the anonymous Text to Tip line (219) 207-TIPS (8477). Any videos can be emailed to garypdrtcc@gary.gov.
-Chief Derrick Cannon
Missing Runaway Juveniles: (4)
DOB: 12/11/2008
Date of Report: 06/22/2024
DOB: 04/28/2011
Date of Report: 08/11/2024
DOB: 07/06/2009
Date of Report: 05/28/2024
DOB: 03/22/2024
Date of Report: 05/28/2024
Missing Adults: (3)
DOB: 04/22/1999
Date of Report: 10/10/2024
DOB: 07/31/1991
Date of Report: 12/03/2024
DOB: 03/18/1982
Date of Report: 11/26/2024
*Chicago resident - last seen on a train in Chicago heading toward Gary, IN.
Gary, IND. On January 4, 2025 at approximately 5:51 AM Gary Police Department received a call for service reference a possible personal injury accident at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Madison Street in Gary Indiana.
Officers arrived on scene and observed a large amount of debris in the middle of the roadway of 5th Avenue & Madison Street, near the intersection.
Officers located a female lying on the northside of 5th Avenue with extensive injuries. Officers checked on the female who showed no signs of life. Officers also located an electric motorized scooter lying in the roadway. The vehicle involved in the crash had left the scene of the crash prior to officers arrival according to witnesses.
Gary Fire Department arrived on scene and checked for any signs of life and advised that the female was deceased.
The female victim was identified as a 17 year old Gary resident.
At that time the Lake County Coroner’s Office was notified as well as Gary Police Crime Scene Unit and Gary Police Hit and Run Investigators.
Investigators from Hit and Run as well as the Real Time Crime Center and Investigations began working on the evidence left at the scene of the crash.
A search warrant affidavit was applied for and executed at a residence where the suspect vehicle was seized and a person of interest was taken into custody. This case will be presented to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for formal charges.
Media Contact: Commander Jack Hamady
The Gary Police Department is aware of a list of missing people circulating on social media. Much of the content of this publicized list is inaccurate, due to outdated information.
We take every missing person case seriously and dedicate all necessary resources to locate the individuals and bring them back safely to their families.
It is our goal to work with the families of missing persons to protect their privacy and ensure the integrity of each case.
It's critical that the public has the most accurate information possible. We are currently reviewing the list with Indiana State agency partners and will publish an accurate, updated list by Friday, January 10th.
-Chief Derrick Cannon
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Gary, IND. –On December 18, 2024 at approximately 7:18 PM, the Gary Police Department received a call for service reference a male down in the front of a residence located in 1100 block of N. Warren St., Gary, Indiana.
Officers arrived on scene and located a male subject lying in the front yard who had sustained a gunshot wound.
As officers were securing the scene they located blood that tracked into a residence. Officers entered the residence and located a female inside who had sustained a gunshot wound as well.
Gary Fire Department arrived on scene and transported the female to St Catherine’s Hospital and the male to Methodist Northlake Hospital for treatment.
The male was identified as a 69 year old male from Gary, Indiana.
The female was identified as a 73 year old female from Gary, Indiana. The female succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
Both victims were the homeowners of the residence.
Officers discovered that the victims vehicle was taken after the shooting and was described as a blue Nissan Xterra (In plates personalized Blue Mom).
The suspect fled the location in the vehicle and is described as a black male wearing a trench style coat and mask.
Lake County Prosecutors Homicide Task Force was contacted, Lake County Crime Lab and Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sergeant James Nielsen 219 755-3855.
Gary, IND. –On December 3, 2024, Merrillville Police Officers were dispatched to 1355 E. 83rd Avenue (Extended Stay of America) for a report of an auto theft. Shortly after receiving the call, Merrillville patrol officers located the stolen vehicle traveling northbound in the 9200 block of Broadway and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to pull over and led officers on a pursuit. Officers chased the vehicle north, on Interstate 65, and onto the Indiana Toll Road. At one point during the pursuit, the vehicle exited the Toll Road at Broadway and then re-entered the toll road traveling westbound, in the eastbound lanes. This created an imminent threat to other vehicles on the roadway and Merrillville officers made the decision to disable the fleeing vehicle before it could crash into civilian motorists. As a result, three Merrillville officers were injured, and several Merrillville police vehicles were damaged. The suspect, along with the three injured officers were transported to local hospitals, where they are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
This incident serves as just the latest example of how Region law enforcement officers routinely put themselves in danger to protect the public.
The Merrillville Police Department would like to thank the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the Gary Police Department, and the Gary Fire Department for their assistance
Commander Derek N. Diehl
Criminal Investigations Division
Merrillville Police Department
Gary, IND. –At approximately 1:45am, Friday morning an accident occurred at the intersection of 19th Avenue and Chase Street involving two SUVs. It appears one of the SUVs disregarded a stop sign causing significant damage to the other SUV that was in the intersection. As a result of the crash a 75-year-old female succumbed to her injuries and a 70-year-old female was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the other SUV, a white 2013 Lincoln MKX fled on foot and has not been located. We are asking the public to assist us in locating this driver. If you have any information, please call Detective Aguilar or Melendez at 219-881-1217, send an email to taguilar@gary.gov or smenlendez@gary.gov or use the anonymous Text to Tip line (219) 207-TIPS (8477). Any videos can be emailed to garypdrtcc@gary.gov.
Gary, IND. –On November 17, 2024, approximately 11:43 AM, Gary Police Department received a call for service in the 3700 block of Broadway Gary, Indiana.
The call for service that was dispatched was an agency assist with the Gary Fire Department.
Dispatch advised there was an adult male down inside the residence.
Officers arrived and met members of the Gary Fire Department who advised there was an adult male inside that was deceased with a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately secured the crime scene and contacted Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force, Lake County Sheriff’s CSI and Lake County Coroner’s Office.
The deceased male was identified as a 50 year old male from Gary, Indiana.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force at 219 755-3855.
Investigation is ongoing at this time.
