The City of Gary is coordinating with law enforcement to line up security for NIPSCO workers after linemen working to restore power after the storm were shot at Friday night.
Utility crews were working in the city when they were fired upon, USW Local 12775 President Ryan Baker said Saturday. The workers, who weren’t injured in the shooting, were driving a marked NIPSCO Jeep they use in assessing damage, he said.
“We’ve paused work out there until the city and company get a plan in place (for our safety),” Baker told the Post-Tribune. “Our men and women are busting their (expletive) 24/7 to get the power back on for 300,000 people spread over three counties, so it’s unfortunate and shouldn’t have happened.”
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said in a statement Saturday that while he understands the “deep frustration of residents without power,” the NIPSCO workers’ safety, as well as the community’s, is the city’s top priority. As such, it’s enlisted the Indiana State Police to assist Gary Police in patrolling, he said.
“Let me be clear: This type of violence is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the City of Gary,” Melton said. “These crews are here for one reason — to help our residents and restore electricity to families who have already endured days without power.
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“The City of Gary has achieved record-low crime rates this year, and my administration is fiercely committed to keeping it that way. We will not allow an isolated act of violence to disrupt the critical services our residents need. We are bringing every available resource to the table so that crews can get back to work safely and power can be restored as quickly as possible.”
NIPSCO in a statement on social media said that it’s “aware of a serious incident overnight in Gary involving our crews supporting ongoing restoration efforts” and confirmed that it’s paused work in the city while it works with Gary officials to find a solution.
“The safety of our employees, contractors and the community we serve remains our highest priority,” the statement said. “We are grateful that no injuries have been reported.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.