A Winamac man was identified as the suspect killed in a shootout with police in Porter County on Wednesday.
Officials identified Joseph Gerber, 45, of Winamac, as the suspect killed during an exchange of gunfire.
According to reports, officers responded to a call just after 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, regarding a suspicious man carrying a weapon at the Hilton Garden Inn in Chesterton near the intersection of State Road 49 and the Indiana Toll Road. A confrontation between the suspect and police led to a shootout outside of the hotel.
The Porter County Coroner's Office identified the man as Joseph Gerber, 45, of Winamac. The coroner's office reported Gerber was pronounced dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and multiple gunshot wounds.
A 33-year-old Chesterton officer was also shot during the incident and rushed to an Illinois hospital. The officer was soon released and is expected to make a full recovery.
Indiana State Police are now leading an investigation on the incident and say a weapon was recovered at the scene and the two officers involved in the shootout have been placed on paid administrative leave. No further information on the incident is being released to the public at this time.
Gov. Pritzker announces expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIU - Edwardsville
2026 Illinois State Fairs' attendance tops 1 million for second consecutive year
Gas prices on the rise in Indiana
Lawrence County Board to host budget hearing
INDOT announcing Lincoln Memorial Bridge closure
Lawrenceville Police active over the weekend with two arrests
Another fatal accident in Wabash County
Lawrenceville approves water system contract changes and new ordinances
Burn ban issued for Lawrence and Richland Counties
IDHS warns against disaster assistance fraud
Richland County Illinois man sentenced on federal child porn charges
Illinois taking action to assist farmers during harvest season
Lawrence County Veterans Assistance Commission discusses superintendent hiring
Applications open for Indiana's Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program
Knox County approves solar setback ordinance on first reading
One killed in Wabash County pedestrian accident
Grain marketing company completes Jasper County expansion
Lawrence County Memorial Hospital adds new administrative position
USPS schedule for weekend into Columbus Day
