A Merrillville, Indiana police officer has died after being shot during an altercation in Northwest Indiana Friday night, officials said.
The officer was in "grave" condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn Saturday after being shot in the head in a shooting in the 8200 block of Lincoln Cirlce around 11 p.m.
The medical examiner's office said the officer, identified as 24-year-old Nickolaus Schultz, died of his injuries Sunday morning.
Police have released few details surrounding the shooting, but said officers were investigating after a 33-year-old man moved back into his former condominium after being evicted in July.
Police said shots were exchanged between officers and the suspect during the investigation and a 24-year-old officer was shot in the head.
The suspect, who was wearing “bullet-resistant body armor” at the time of the shooting, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The Lake County Coroner's office identified the man as 33-year-old Michael Hrnciar. He was pronounced dead at 3 a.m. The coroner's office said his death was a suicide.
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Don Foley, commander of the Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force and sergeant of the Dyer Police Department, said the Porter County Bomb Squad was called to the scene and homes were evacuated after officials suspected an explosive device was inside the building.
“We’re still looking into all the aspects,” he said.
The area was later deemed safe and residents were allowed back into their homes.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence released a statement following Schultz's death.
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Merrillville Police Officer Nickolaus Schultz and join his family and friends as they mourn the loss of this Indiana hero. After only one year in uniform, Officer Schultz courageously risked his life fulfilling his oath to serve and protect the people of Merrillville and Lake County. As we grieve his passing, we are reminded of the extraordinary sacrifices that our state’s law enforcement officers and their families make every day. On behalf of all Hoosiers, the First Lady and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the family and friends and all who admired this courageous young police officer. The service and sacrifice of Officer Nickolaus Schultz will be remembered always by the people of Indiana.”
