Joseph Gerber dies in fatal Chesterton, Indiana police shooting

Joseph Gerber dies in fatal Chesterton, Indiana police shooting

Fatal Chesterton, Indiana police shooting death of Joseph Gerber

Joseph Gerber, 45, from Winamac, Indiana, died following a shootout with Chesterton police officers Wednesday morning near the Hilton Garden Inn by Gateway Boulevard and Matson Drive. The Porter County Coroner’s Office confirmed Gerber’s death resulted from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head along with other gunshot injuries sustained during the exchange of gunfire.

The incident began after hotel staff reported a suspicious man in the area, prompting police to respond. Upon arrival, a confrontation ensued, leading to gunfire between Gerber and officers. One Chesterton police officer was wounded and transported to a hospital in Illinois, while another officer present was unharmed.

Indiana State Police have taken over the investigation to determine the precise circumstances that triggered the encounter and the subsequent shooting. Both officers involved are now on routine administrative leave as the use-of-force inquiry continues.