Gary man killed during police undercover investigation of social media marketplace

Contributed By: The 411 News

Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez, Jr. announced today that his department is investigating an officer-involved shooting by a member of the Gary Police Department.

According to Sheriff Martinez, Gary police officers were conducting an ongoing undercover investigation in the 3400 block of Maryland. “Sometime around noon, they encountered a suspect who attacked an officer. The suspect was shot and was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.”

Shortly after the shooting incident, Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon revealed details of the GPD investigation at an emergency press conference.

Since late October, Cannon said, Gary Police had narrowed down a suspect in a series of robberies, assaults, and thefts of property stemming from a social media marketplace.

A Gary Police officer posing as a buyer engaged the suspect in the 3400 block of Maryland. “During the operation, the suspect attempted to rob the officer and attacked him with a machete style weapon,” Cannon said. “The suspect was shot by other officers in the controlled buy.”

Cannon said the undercover officer sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Shahaud Richmond, age 21. The coroner listed Richmond’s address as the 3400 Block of Maryland.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department Detective Bureau is investigating the shooting.

“During the holiday season, unfortunately, we have had incidents similar to this. We want to make sure the public is aware that we are diligent and vigilant in the investigation of these crimes and making sure that we hold people accountable,” Cannon said.

In a reminder to the public to be safe and use best practices using social media marketplaces, Cannon applied the classic saying, “If you see something, please say something. When something is out of place in your neighborhood, please let us know.”

Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer for Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, added warnings and tips for buyers and sellers using social media marketplaces.

“Make sure that you're meeting in a well lit public location. You should never organize to either sell or buy something in your home or in somebody else's home.

“Bring a trusted friend or a trusted family member with you. Let somebody else know where you're going, so that if something happens, you have somebody who's looking out for you.

“Please check the profiles that you see on social media. If you see a profile that doesn't have positive reviews or it doesn't appear to be something recognizable, please just check that profile.”

Story Posted:11/13/2024