Dariel E.Dodd

Suspect charged in Norm Bailey's death

Contributed By:The 411 News

Less than a week after Norman Bailey was shot to death in his Blue Room Lounge during the early morning hours of January 14th, the Gary Police Dept. announced on January 19th homicide charges had been filed against Dariel E. Dodd, age 42, now in custody in a Tippecanoe County Jail.

Bailey was serving his 2nd term as a member of the Gary Community School Corporation's Advisory Panel.

GPD Commander Jack Hamady said Dodd is awaiting extradition back to Lake County.

According to the charging document, several witnesses in the bar identified Dodd – the man in a green jogging suit – as the person who shot Bailey.

One of the witnesses, Tyrel Bailey was also shot. Tyrel Bailey told investigators from a hospital room that he arrived at the bar between 12am and 1am Friday. He helps Norm Bailey get the crowd out of the building at the 3am closing time.

The document does not indicate a kinship between the two Baileys.

Tyrel Bailey said he saw Dodd enter the bar and start talking to Norman Bailey. The witness said the men seemed to be having a regular conversation.

Tyrel Bailey said he went over to the two men and asked the customer to leave. "The man replied OK. The man looked upset but turned to leave and then pulled out a black gun and started shooting at Norman," Tyrel Bailey told investigators.

Tyrel Bailey said he ran at the man and tried to grab the gun but fell and the man began to shoot at him. Hospital staff said Tyrel had six shots in the legs and one in the buttocks.

Another witness gave an account that conflicted with Tyrel Bailey’s. That witness, an employee, overheard an argument between Norman Bailey and Dodd. The witness said Dodd entered the bar shortly before closing time. That witness said, "The shooter said to Norman your son killed my brother. Norm told the person it has nothing to do with him."

The charging document states the witness stepped between the two men and Norm told the witness to move. After moving out of the way, the witness said Dodd pulled a gun and began shooting Norm.

Dodd is charged with 5 felonies: murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, aggravated battery, and enhancement firearm used in the commission of a crime.

According to the NWI Times, Dodd was arrested the next day outside of Lafayette for traffic violations by an Indiana State Trooper.

The Times reported, "The trooper initially suspected Dodd was intoxicated, but further investigation led police to believe Dodd was under the influence of a controlled substance, according to a news release. When Dodd attempted to throw a handgun into a ditch, the trooper took him into custody, police said."

Story Posted:01/22/2022