82-Year-Old Man Shot by Gary Police Officer: Officials

An 82-year-old man was injured in an officer-involved shooting Sunday evening in Gary, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Department. 

At approximately 5:02 p.m., officers were called to the 2400 block of Roosevelt Street for reports of an intoxicated person with a weapon, police said. 

Upon arrival, officers found the armed male, according to police, who said he "refused to follow officers orders and shots were fired." A Gary police officer then discharged his weapon, striking the suspect. The Lake County Sheriff's Department said a weapon was recovered from the scene. 

The male was taken to Methodist Northlake Hospital in unknown condition. 

A witness, who did not want to be identified, took video of the aftermath of the shooting, showing an officer shine what appears to be a flashlight into the vehicle.

The officer can be heard saying “put your hands up.” The witness said he and his children were standing outside when officers fired multiple shots into the vehicle.

“I was definitely shocked. I had my children. They did it right there in front of my children,” the witness said. “That wasn’t right, and I hope justice is served.”

Most neighbors who talked to NBC 5 didn’t want to go on camera, but said the elderly man visited the complex often and kept to himself.

“This guy has never been a problem," one person said. "He’s always a nice guy when I see him. He goes in, minds his own business. I felt like it was horrific.”

Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson issued a statement about the shooting Monday afternoon, identifying the victim as Mr. Bouler. 

"We are aware that Mr. Bouler's age heightens the concern of all concerned, including his family and our citizens," she said. "We have spoken with Mr. Bouler's family and want to assure the community that we are committed to a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding his shooting. We join everyone in praying for his a speedy recovery. Finally, I would caution the public against reaching conclusions without all of the information.”

Authorities said no officers were injured in the incident. The Lake County Sheriff's Department will handle the investigation into the shooting.