CHICAGO () — NIPSCO temporarily halted some storm restoration work in northwest Indiana after officials said a vehicle used by one of its crews was struck by gunfire Friday night.
The utility company said restoration operations involving crews in Gary were paused after what it described as a “serious incident.”
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said the gunfire hit a NIPSCO utility crew vehicle while workers were in the city helping restore power to residents. No injuries were reported, Melton said, and police are investigating the shooting.
“Let me be clear: this type of violence is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the City of Gary,” said Melton. “These crews are here for one reason-to help our residents and restore electricity to families who have already endured days without power.”
In a statement, NIPSCO said, “NIPSCO is aware of a serious incident overnight in Gary involving our crews supporting our ongoing storm restoration efforts. We are working closely with law enforcement and gathering additional information. The safety of our employees, contractors and the communities we serve remains our highest priority. We are grateful that no injuries have been reported. In response to this incident, storm restoration activities involving crews have been temporarily paused in the city of Gary while we work with law enforcement and evaluate appropriate security measures to ensure the safety of our responders. We thank our employees, contractors, mutual assistance crews and law enforcement partners for their continued dedication and support during this historic restoration effort. Restoration work continues across northern Indiana, and we will provide additional information as it becomes available. We appreciate the patience and understanding of Gary residents as we take steps to ensure restoration efforts can continue safely.”
Melton said Gary officials are working with NIPSCO, the Gary Police Department, Indiana State Police and state leaders to make sure utility crews have the security needed to resume power restoration safely. Indiana State Police is also sending additional troopers to support local law enforcement agencies.
Officials have not yet said what may have prompted the gunfire.
The severe storms that caused widespread damage also forced organizers to cancel next weekend’s Gary Air Show. Organizers said first responders are needed for storm cleanup and recovery efforts, making that work the priority over this year’s event. They said they hope the air show will return next summer.
And over in Chicago, weather conditions delayed the city’s Air and Water Show on Saturday, and more storms could arrive Sunday.
A system that was forecast to bring heavy rain to Chicago on Saturday missed most of the area, ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez said.
ABC7 meteorologists initially issued an AccuWeather Alert for Saturday, but that alert has been dropped, as the flooding threat has reduced in the Chicago area.
There was some rain downtown around 9:30 a.m., and more light to moderate rain continued in some areas throughout Saturday morning.
Saturday’s Chicago Air and Water Show was delayed until noon due to weather conditions, city officials said. The performances were initially set to begin at 10:30 a.m.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events said producers worked with the Federal Aviation Administration to assess flight conditions and ensure the safety of performing acts, attendees and event staff.
DCASE said the show is expected to continue through 5 p.m. to allow for the show’s full schedule.
Martinez expressed optimism about a noon start, saying there were still showers in the area, along with a low cloud deck, at 9:30 a.m.
Martinez said most of the afternoon is expected to be dry but added that an isolated downpour cannot be ruled out.
Saturday is expected to remain humid with highs in the low 80s. But ABC7 meteorologists are watching for a potential round of heavy rain late Saturday and into Sunday morning.
Possible storms could hit the Chicago area between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday.
Once that morning rain moves out on Sunday, the rest of the day looks mostly dry with highs in the low 80s. Next week’s forecast offers limited rain chances, bringing some relief to areas hit hard by Tuesday’s storms.
Residents whose homes suffered storm damage Tuesday and Wednesday in Cook County are being asked to complete an online survey by Aug. 24.
