GARY— Today, Gary police officers responded to a call of shots fired near 5th Avenue and Lincoln Street in Gary. Sgt. William Fazekas was shot during the encounter and is currently in stable condition and being moved to an Illinois hospital for additional treatment. Sgt. Fazekas is a 32 year veteran of the Gary Police Department and is currently serving with the Violent Crimes Division. Senators Eddie Melton (D-Gary) and Rodney Pol (D-Chesterton) issued the following statement:

Senator Pol said, “I was pained today to hear the news that my friend Sgt. William Fazekas was shot in the line of duty. However, I’m grateful to hear that he is in stable condition and receiving further treatment. Sgt. Fazekas has honorably served the Gary community for 32 years, putting his life on the line every day. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he knows that he has the entire Gary community behind him.”

Senator Melton added, “I was saddened to hear the news that Sgt. William Fazekas was shot while on duty, but I’m glad to know he is receiving treatment and recovering. I want to thank him for his service to our community, and he and his family will be in our prayers.”