Police investigate deadly shooting in South Bend

Tools

Shooting behind Wade's Unique Touch Car Wash

Police responded to a fatal shooting in the alley behind a South Bend car wash Saturday night, July 5, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

SOUTH BEND — Police say a man was killed Saturday night after a shooting on Lincolnway West.

At this point, police do not believe this shooting is related to four others in the past 24 hours. Neighbors say it's a Fourth of July they'll never forget.

"I heard about four to five gun shots, and then I saw smoke coming either from in between the car wash or the commercial business door," said neighbor Jason House.

Police say a man was fatally shot in the head in the alley behind Wade's Unique Touch Car Wash. They have not identified the victim.

"It's sad. There's a lot of good people around here so I hate to see something like this happen," said House.

People who live near the Charles Black Center couldn't agree more. Police say a woman was shot in the parking lot late Friday night after two men got into a fight.

"At some point one of the individuals displayed a firearm. And one of the relatives trying to protect the unarmed individual, trying to distract the person with the weapon, drove into the line of some gun fire," said South Bend Police Sgt. Gene Eyster.

Neighbors say shootings near the center are rare, but they say when the holidays roll around, so does the violence.

"Everybody just brings old stuff from when they were beefing and all that. So it only happens during the holidays," said neighbor Phallonte Gunn.

Police say the holiday isn't the only factor that contributes to the violence.

"The weather doesn't help matters when it's warm and hot. A lot more people are out. A lot more people are indulging in alcoholic beverages and tempers are going to flare occasionally," said Eyster.

In the car wash shooting, police are looking for a forest green four-door Pontiac, made between 2000 and 2005. Investigators say it has damage to the front right side and an Indiana temporary paper license plate.

St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit investigators are questioning witnesses.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 37.2
°
More Weather
More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Paid Programming
7.30
Jeopardy
8.00
The Mentalist
9.00
48 Hours Mystery
10.00
48 Hours Mystery
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
CSI: NY
12.35
CSI: NY
1.35
CSI: Miami

Question of The Day

Will the new health recommendations for women change your health screening habits?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • YES
  • NO
Today's Mortgage Rates