MC homeowner shoots two intruders

A Pottawattomie Park resident in Michigan City shot two men who broke into his home Friday, Jan. 11, 2013.

At about 8 p.m., LaPorte County 911 received a call from the homeowner, who lives in the 100 block of Pontiac Drive, according to information from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. The caller said the home was being burglarized. Michigan City Police, LaPorte County deputies and Pottawattomie Park Police responded. While on the way, police were advised by the 911 center that shots had been fired.

When police arrived, they found the homeowner holding one suspect at gunpoint in the home. He said the other man had fled on foot.

A short time later, it was reported that the suspect who had fled was in a home in the 300 block of Hobart Street. Police surrounded the home and Michigan City Police Chief Mark Swistek and LaPorte County Sheriff Mike Mollenhauer convinced an occupant in the home to open the door. The wounded suspect was found hiding in a closet in the home.

Both suspects received immediate medical attention from LaPorte County EMS and then were transported to St. Anthony Hospital. Both were later flown to another area hospital for further treatment. Both adult men were reported in stable condition as of Saturday, Jan. 12.

A probable cause hearing was scheduled for Monday afternoon, Jan. 14, in a LaPorte County court.

Anyone with additional information on this case is asked to contact lead investigator Tim Richardson, Pottawattomie Park deputy marshal, at 219-874-3221, Ext. 306.