MC News Dispatch version of train window shooting

Commuter train hit by what may be sniper's bullet

By Georgette Senter, The News-Dispatch


A South Shore passenger car parked along the railroad tracks at the Broadway Station in Gary was hit by what may be a sniper's bullet.

According to Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District Police Chief Robert Byrd, a carman preparing the passenger car for a return trip to Chicago around 9:30 a.m. Monday heard a sound and saw a flash of light.

“As he inspected the car he discovered a hole in a window on the north side of the train,” Byrd said.

The car was parked along the Indiana Toll Road parallel to the highway.

“The car had already been used going into Chicago from the Michigan City South Shore barns,” Byrd said. “At that time, the car had been in perfect condition, no broken windows, or they would not have allowed it to leave Michigan City,” he added.

“It had also made a return trip from Chicago and was removed from the eastbound train to remain at the Gary station,” according to Byrd.

Several trains begin and end daily runs at the Adam Benjamin Metro Center in Gary.

After the damage was discovered, the train was brought to Michigan City where the window was carefully removed and turned over to the FBI Sniper Task Force in Gary for examination.

Byrd said NICTD is cooperating with the investigations into the recent sniper attacks along the Cline Avenue corridor in the Gary-Hammond-East Chicago area.

“We cannot say for sure if this incident was related, but the window is being examined for possible traces of metal from bullets and or gun powder,” Byrd said.

He also said there is a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the capture and arrest of the sniper.