Customers fight at Sam's Food Market leaves 1 dead

Contributed By:The 411 News

Gary Police Dept. Commander Sam Roberts reported a homicide occurred Monday night at a grocery story on Gary’s east side.

On December 11, at about 7:29pm, Gary Police responded to a shooting at Sam’s Food Market, 2101 Virginia Street. Witnesses told the responding officers that two men began shooting at each other inside of the store.

When officers entered the store, they found one male deceased.

A review of the store’s video footage depicted the victim and another man involved in a physical fight at the checkout counter. A weapon is drawn and the victim is shot. The shooter can be seen picking up his items, walking around the victim’s body, and leaving the store.

Witnesses told the officers that during the altercation, the suspect left his debit card at the cash register. With the card, officers were able to identify the shooter who was apprehended while walking in the area of 600 E. 20th Avenue, not far from the shooting.

The alleged shooter is a 44-year-old Gary man.

The Office of the Lake County Coroner later identified the deceased as Gary resident Demitrice Pierce, 48, of the 2000 block of Alabama Street.

Commander Roberts said the case is being investigated by Det. J. Nielsen and Det. D. Umbarger. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (219) 755-3875.

Story Posted:12/12/2023