Gary Mayor Eddie Melton released a statement offering condolences for the death of a city security officer, almost one week after he was fatally shot.
“These have been some difficult days for our community,” Melton said in a Thursday statement. “Upon learning of the death of Mr. Kenneth Williams, my heart immediately went out to the family, loved ones, and everyone affected. I ask that our community keeps everyone impacted in their thoughts and prayers.”
Late Aug. 28, Williams, a 67-year-old security officer at the Adam Benjamin Metro Center in Gary, was fatally shot and pronounced dead at the scene. According to Post-Tribune archives, Williams was allegedly showing signs of unusual and erratic behavior, and officers from the Gary Police and Lake County Sheriff’s departments responded to the call at about 10:54 p.m.
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An Indiana State Police release stated that officers tried to de-escalate the situation, but at about 11:20 p.m., a confrontation between Williams and the responding officers resulted in an exchange of gunfire. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
A legal representative for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department denied a Post-Tribune public records request for police body and dashboard camera from the incident, saying the investigation is still pending.
In his statement, Melton said he hopes the state police “will conduct a thorough, impartial and professional investigation.” He also requested they meet with Williams’ family, which has taken place.
“We ask for patience as the investigative process unfolds and encourage our community to remain calm and united,” Melton said. “Our shared goal is to ensure that the truth is established through a fair and complete investigation. We remain committed to justice, accountability, and the safety and well-being of all who visit and call Gary home.”
The Lake County Coroner’s Office has yet to respond to multiple Post-Tribune requests about the manner and cause of Williams’ death, which were listed as pending in the original release. A forensic autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday in Crown Point.
According to Post-Tribune archives, the state police’s initial investigation found that six Gary police officers and three Lake County officers discharged their weapons. All officers have been placed on administrative leave per agency policy, and the ISP is not identifying the officers.