Man who died in shootout with Chesterton, Indiana police ID'd as Joseph Gerber
Share this @internewscast.com

CHESTERON, Ind. (WLS) — Authorities have identified a man who died after getting into a shootout with police officers in Chesterton, Indiana Wednesday morning.

The Porter County Coroner’s Office identified the man as 45-year-old Joseph Gerber, of Winamac. The coroner’s office said Gerber died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and had additional gunshot wounds.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

A Chesterton police officer was also wounded in the incident, which occurred at about 8:06 a.m. near the intersection of Gateway Boulevard and Matson Drive across from a Hilton Garden Inn next to the expressway.

Indiana State Police said hotel employees called police with reports of a suspicious man in the area.

Once police arrived to the scene, they got into a confrontation with the man which led to an exchange of gunfire, in which the suspect was killed, police said

An officer was taken to a hospital in Illinois for a gunshot wound, police said. The other officer he was with during the shooting was not hurt at all.

Indiana State Police are now handling the investigation, and they said they’re still looking into what exactly led to the shootout.

“That’s part of what our investigators will find out, why they were called there obviously something brought his attention to their attention, the way he was acting, and obviously something was going on for their to be a confrontation and exchange of gunfire with officers,” Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifeld said.

ISP is now also investigating the use of force, and the two officers involved in the shooting will go on routine administrative leave.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Exploring the Science of Shark Bites: National Geographic’s ‘Investigation Shark Attack’ at ‘Sharkfest’

“Sharkfest” dives deep with a new series and some jaw-dropping science. National…
Person about to jump from a cliff overlooking a forest.

Terrifying Scene as 21-Year-Old Daredevil’s Cliff Jump World Record Attempt Results in Hospital Emergency

THIS is the shocking moment a daredevil’s attempt to break a cliff…
Photo of Nilton Vieira Junior.

Husband Allegedly Mutilates Romantic Rival Before Fatal Attack, Apprehended in Chains

A MAN accused of cutting of his wife’s lover’s penis off with…
Kai Trump Dishes on Advice From Grandpa Trump When It Comes To Golf

Kai Trump Shares Grandpa Trump’s Golf Tips

In a sneak peek of Kai’s interview on “Fox and Friends” set…
Brent Rooker calls out tiebreaker rule after Home Run Derby elimination

Brent Rooker Criticizes Tiebreaker Rule Following Home Run Derby Elimination

Brent Rooker was not happy with the way he was bounced from…
Port of Los Angeles sees record container traffic as Trump tariff deadlines loom

Port of Los Angeles Experiences Unprecedented Container Traffic Amidst Imminent Trump Tariff Deadlines

Importers are hastily bringing goods into the United States before upcoming tariff…
Florida set to execute Michael Bell for 1993 murders

Florida Scheduled to Execute Michael Bell for 1993 Murders

Florida plans to execute Michael Bernard Bell on Tuesday for the 1993…
7-month-old baby dies after being pulled 'unresponsive' from lake by his mom: police

Tragic Incident: 7-Month-Old Baby Found Unresponsive in Lake Dies

In Australia, a 7-month-old infant was discovered “unresponsive” after being pulled from…
Progressive Dem rep faces backlash for calling ICE 'Nazi thugs' while defending MS-13 gang member

Democratic Representative Criticized for Comparing ICE to Nazis in Defense of MS-13 Member

A progressive Democratic state representative ignited debate by describing ICE agents as…
PAWS Chicago helps dogs from Texas flood arrive from Concho Valley PAWS, rescue organization in San Angelo

PAWS Chicago Assists in Relocating Dogs from Flooded Areas in Texas, Partnering with Concho Valley PAWS in San Angelo

CHICAGO (WLS) — Nearly two dozen dogs from flood ravaged Texas are…
How Trump plans to dismantle the Education Department after Supreme Court ruling

Trump’s Strategy to Overhaul the Education Department Following Supreme Court Decision

Education Secretary Linda McMahon is poised to act swiftly following the Supreme…
Idaho four murder victim's sister reveals 'weird' three-word text message hours before stabbings

Sister of Idaho murder victim shares eerie three-word text sent hours prior to attack

Ethan Chapin’s sister, Mazie, revealed the final message sent by her brother,…