GARY, Ind.–A Gary police officer shot while trying to help people at the sene of a car wreck Monday is expected to recover. But, police are still looking for someone they believe was involved.
The wreck and shooting happened around 1 p.m. when Sgt. William Fazekas, a leader on the city’s violent crimes task force, got out of his patrol car to help whomever may have been involved in the wreck, which was on Lincoln St. at Fifth Ave., an intersection covered in snow.
“The officer observed a vehicle strike another vehicle, and then when he engaged, which is activating his lights to see what was going on, to render aid or whatever needs to happen, the individuals opened fire on him,” said Police Chief Brian Evans, in a Monday news conference.
Fazekas was rushed to a Chicago hospital with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
Police searched the area by air and with dogs and arrested one person, who they found in an abandoned building. But, they were still looking for another person of interest Tuesday morning.
“He is certainly a veteran officer who has proven himself to be committed to the safety and success of our city and we’re certainly grateful to have him,” said Mayor Jerome Prince. “I am appreciative of all of the officers who responded to the scene.”
