Charlotte Tidwell, Kia’s mom, speaks at the podium. At right is her father James Tidwell and aunt LaSonnye McNeil
Gary calls for action for Kia Tidwell
Contributed By: The 411 News
Gunfire ends the life of mom while driving on her way home
Day 3 after gunfire intended for someone else struck and ended the life of Kia Tidwell, her family gathered at the Gary Public Safety Facility Monday afternoon.
“I want to be clear that we have intentionally brought this room together,” said Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon. “We are trying to find justice and bring some closure to this bereaved family.”
“This is not just their loss, this is the entire city’s loss,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “Faced with adversity, this is our call to action for the community to step forward.”
The Gary PD had received a request for service at approximately 8:03pm Friday, September 6 about a disturbance at the McDonald’s at Grant Street and 5th Avenue. Upon their arrival, Chief Cannon said, “They spoke to the management and observed several people across the street in what appeared to be a continuation of the original call.”
As police spoke to the individuals, shots rang out, causing all to take cover including the officers, Cannon said. It was soon discovered a vehicle that had been traveling eastbound along 5th Avenue had hit a tree. The driver was Kia Tidwell.
The Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force has joined the Gary PD investigation team. “We know for a fact, several people know who did the shooting,” Prosecutor Bernie Carter said. “We are asking them to come forward and work with us. We need the community’s support.”
“My daughter had just left my house, on the way home,” said her mother Charlotte Tidwell. The mother had received a call from Kia’s daughter who had been on the phone with Kia as she was driving. Her granddaughter had said, “Momma can you go check. Mom was driving by McDonald’s. She began calling on the name of Jesus.”
Kia is one of Charlotte and James Tidwell’s 10 children.
“I’ve lived around the corner for 30 years. My daughter turned the corner on Grant Street, made a left heading to her home in Portage and never made it,” said Tidwell.
Kia Tidwell has six children; two are still at home. A son, age 15, is in high school at Andrean. The youngest is a 5 year-old. “She asked me ‘where is my momma.’ I haven’t told her yet,” Charlotte said. “She asked her sister. I don’t want anyone around her talking.”
Don’t feel comfortable, Charlotte said, we are going to find you.
Anyone with information can call Detective Roger Escutia directly at (219) 755-3855, send an email to rescutia@isp.in.gov or use the anonymous Text to Tip line (219) 207-TIPS (8477). All videos can be emailed to garypdrtcc@gary.gov
Story Posted:09/10/2024
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