East Chicago, IN – A juvenile suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man inside an East Chicago apartment in August, according to police.
The East Chicago Police Department reported officers responded to gunfire at 3612 Superior Court, Apartment #5, on August 14 at approximately 7 a.m. When officers arrived, they found an unresponsive male victim with a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim, identified as Jontavis D. Pearson Jr. of East Chicago, was taken to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
According to investigators, the apartment door had approximately 11 bullet holes and numerous shell casings were recovered inside. Neighboring Apartment #6 also sustained bullet damage. A juvenile was initially detained at the scene but released pending investigation.
The Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force later issued an arrest warrant on September 11. On September 19, the juvenile suspect was taken into custody without incident and charged with reckless homicide, five counts of criminal recklessness, and dangerous possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
The suspect is being held at the Lake County Juvenile Center. Police extended thanks to Indiana State Police Detective Gary Runde and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in the case.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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