GARY, Ind. — Illinois Cousins Shot in Gas Station Parking Lot; Police Seeking Public’s Help

GARY, Ind. — Illinois Cousins Shot in Gas Station Parking Lot; Police Seeking Public’s Help

GARY, Ind. — A violent and unsettling scene unfolded Monday night in northwest Indiana, where two young men from Illinois were shot while walking through a gas station parking lot in Gary. The incident, which took place at the Pilot Travel Center located at 2501 Burr Street, has prompted a police investigation and renewed concerns about public safety in the area.

What Happened:

According to Gary Police, officers responded to the gas station around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, following reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they discovered two young men—a 22-year-old from Matteson, Illinois, and a 23-year-old from Lynwood, Illinois—being treated on the scene by medics from the Gary Fire Department. The men, who are cousins, had both sustained gunshot wounds.
• The 23-year-old had been shot multiple times, police reported.
• The 22-year-old was struck once in the chest, a potentially life-threatening injury.

Despite their critical condition, one of the cousins was able to speak with officers. He explained that they had been walking through the parking lot when individuals inside a dark-colored SUV suddenly opened fire. After being struck, the 22-year-old cousin said he fled into the gas station and hid inside a bathroom, fearing for his life. His cousin, however, declined to provide a statement to officers at the time.

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Ongoing Investigation:

Surveillance footage from the area proved helpful to detectives. Police were able to identify a dark-colored Jeep Cherokee seen speeding away from the Pilot Travel Center around the time of the shooting. Authorities believe this vehicle may be connected to the crime.

In a further twist, police also recovered a handgun from one of the victims. It’s not yet clear whether the weapon was legally owned or played a role in the incident, and investigators are still piecing together the timeline and motivations.

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What Remains Unknown:

At this time, many questions remain unanswered:
• Were the victims targeted, or was this a random act of violence?
• What was the motive?
• Did the recovered handgun have any bearing on the attack?

Police are also working to determine whether the suspects and victims had any prior connection or if this was a case of mistaken identity.

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What You Can Do:

The Gary Police Department is urging anyone with information related to this shooting to come forward. Whether you were near Burr Street that evening, saw the dark SUV, or have surveillance footage or tips—your information could be critical in solving this case.

📞 Call Gary Police at 219-881-1209

All tips can remain confidential. Even the smallest piece of information might help bring those responsible to justice and ensure that Gary remains a safer place for residents and travelers alike.

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As the victims recover and their families search for answers, the community is reminded once again of the urgent need to stand against gun violence. This senseless act has left two young men fighting for their lives and shaken the communities of both northwest Indiana and south suburban Illinois.

**If you know something, say something