HAMMOND, IN – A deadly shooting at a Northwest Indiana pub early Sunday morning left two people dead and three others injured, according to police. The incident occurred at Portside Pub on Indianapolis Boulevard around 4 a.m., prompting a swift response from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Upon arrival, officers discovered five victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Two individuals, including a bartender, were pronounced dead at the scene. Family members identified the second victim as Lorraine Reyna, a local resident. The other three victims were rushed to area hospitals, with two in serious condition and one listed as stable.
According to Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute that began in the parking lot. The two victims who lost their lives were attempting to intervene when they were shot. “They were good Samaritans, just trying to help, and they lost their lives because of it,” McDermott stated. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the victims knew the suspect.
The tragic shooting has left the community reeling, with loved ones mourning those lost. Angelica Negron-Jernigan, a close friend of Reyna, expressed frustration over the continued gun violence in the area. “It’s so disheartening. This gun violence has to stop,” she said. Paola Gaeta, who was searching for her brother after the shooting, later learned that he was among the injured. “I couldn’t reach him. His car was still here,” she recounted.
Police have confirmed they have identified a suspect and expect to make an arrest soon. Investigators are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, and officials are urging anyone with information to contact the Hammond Police Department at 219-852-2906. In the meantime, one lane of Indianapolis Boulevard was temporarily closed as detectives gathered evidence at the scene.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grieving and searching for answers. The shooting serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of escalating disputes and the devastating impact of gun violence. Authorities remain committed to bringing justice to the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
