Man who died in shootout with Chesterton, Indiana police ID'd as Joseph Gerber
Share and Follow

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
Chicago police warn of more armed robberies of businesses in Brighton Park, Jefferson Park, Bucktown, Montclare, West Beverly

Shocking Allegations: Bloomingdale Man Faces Charges for Brutal Death of Son’s Support Dog

A man from the suburbs is now facing serious legal trouble after…
Tesla dealership arsonist learns prison sentence after pleading guilty in Cybertruck torching

Arsonist Sentenced to Prison for Setting Tesla Cybertruck on Fire: Guilty Plea Seals Fate

An individual found guilty of arson at a Tesla facility has been…
Influencer found dead inside truck hours after haunting final post

Tragic Discovery: Influencer Found Dead in Truck Just Hours After Eerie Final Post

The digital world mourns the loss of Isaac Efraín Valadez, better known…
'RHOA' alum NeNe Leakes confirms long-awaited return to Bravo as Andy Cohen reacts

NeNe Leakes’ Triumphant Return to Bravo: What Andy Cohen Really Thinks

NeNe Leakes is making a triumphant return! The former star of “The…
Australia vows to strengthen hate speech laws, gun control in wake of Bondi Beach attack

Australia Enforces Groundbreaking Social Media Ban, Protects 4.7 Million Kids in First Month

In a groundbreaking move, Australia has seen social media platforms deactivate millions…
Off-camera hearings for Charlie Kirk's suspected assassin raise warning from legal expert

Source Reveals FBI Protection Withdrawn from Tyler Robinson’s Partner Amid Alleged Plot Against Charlie Kirk

PROVO, Utah – A law enforcement insider has confirmed to Fox News…
The ICE backlash isn't the end of Kristi Noem. It may have saved her

How the ICE Controversy Could Propel Kristi Noem’s Political Future

When Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, addressed…
Massachusetts town faces lawsuit for allowing criminal immigrant, sex offender to renew business license

Massachusetts Town Sued Over Business License Renewal for Immigrant with Criminal Record

A Massachusetts woman has initiated legal action against the town of Hopkinton,…