Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson was in a grateful mood Monday after the Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann found that two Chesterton Police officers acted justifiably in self-defense during a June 18 shootout with a wanted felon in front of the Hilton Garden Inn.
Officer Nolan Mancera was wounded when the suspect, Joseph Gerber, 45, fired first. Mancera and Lt. David Virijevich then returned fire, wounding Gerber, who then fatally shot himself in the head with his own gun, the investigation found. Mancera is expected to make a full recovery from a wound in the hip area.
Richardson read a statement during Monday’s Chesterton Town Council meeting, lauding the actions of his officers and thanking many in the community who supported the department through a difficult time.
“I wish to convey to you just how overwhelmingly proud I am of both Lt. David Virijevich and Officer Nolan Mancera. Their efforts on the morning of June 18th will forever remain heroic in my opinion,” Richardson said. “They risked their own lives and personal safety, without hesitation, not only for each other but also for each and every citizen that was in the vicinity of this critical incident that morning.”
Within minutes after the shooting erupted on Gateway Boulevard in front of the Hilton Garden Inn, officers from practically every Porter County police agency, along with state and federal officers, descended on the scene.
“Personally, Assistant Chief (Cisco) Rodriguez and I were overwhelmed with emotion when at one point at the scene we observed approximately 50 to 60 members of law enforcement present, ready and willing to accept any collateral duties needed,” Richardson said.
Richardson said he was also thankful for a handful of citizens who stopped to aid the officer within seconds after Mancera was shot.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your presence and words of encouragement meant more than you know,” Richardson said.
Town officials and the community were also thanked for their support. And lastly, Richardson expressed gratitude for the sworn and civilian members of his department.
“Daily, I am reminded of just how proud I am to serve as your chief. Your professionalism throughout the entire incident, and in the days and weeks that followed, was unparalleled,” Richardson said.
Meanwhile, Virijevich and Mancera, who were placed on paid leave the day of the shooting, are doing well and should be returning to duty within the next couple of weeks, Richardson said.
Councilman James Ton, R-1st, thanked Richardson for his comments and noted it was “a sad situation, but justice was served.”
In other business, the Town Council agreed with a suggestion from Ton that Chief Richardson and the Police Commission re-examine the town’s ordinance regulating the use of golf carts.
Ton noted how Chesterton has experienced a “proliferation” of golf carts on its streets.
“We really should take a relook at that ordinance,” Ton said. “We have golf carts here, there and everywhere. Our responsibility is to set the guidelines and laws.”
Chesterton approved its original ordinance regulating golf cart use on the town’s streets in 2009.
Councilwoman Erin Collins, D-2nd, said she believes the town of Porter is also looking at its ordinance concerning the use of golf carts.
Ton said he believes Chesterton needs to work on its ordinance first before the town can join hands with a neighboring community on the issue.
Assistant Town Engineer Matt Gavelek told the council that the Westchester-Liberty Trail extension project is about 90% finished. During the next two weeks, guardrails and fencing will be installed.
The new half-mile trail will run on the north side of County Road 1100 N from S. Fifth Street to County Road 100 East. The $1.1 million project is being overseen by the Indiana Department of Transportation, which is paying 80% of the cost.
Gavelek said that County Road 1100 N, which is closed for construction just west of County Road 100 East, could be reopened by Aug. 30. He said there is a possibility that it would be closed for another week beyond that date, depending on how construction proceeds.
Council tentatively agreed to set a dedication for 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, for the trail extension.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.