Shots fired at South Bend Police officers as violent weekend continues

by Troy Kehoe (tkehoe@wsbt.com)

Tools

Fatal 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 WSBT News1

SOUTH BEND — A weekend filled with violence on the streets of South Bend has some saying "enough is enough." Five people were shot, one was stabbed, and shots were fired at police investigators, including officer Michael Norby.

No one has been arrested for any of the crimes yet, and in some cases, investigators say witnesses have been unwilling to come forward with information or uncooperative.

That has some living and working in the areas that saw the most violence over the holiday weekend sending a different message, that the violence must come to an end.

It was supposed to be a long holiday weekend filled with celebration, but the real fireworks came on the streets of South Bend.

The first shooting happened around 10:30 Friday night outside the Charles Black Center on Washington Street. Police say Irese Hendrix, 37, of South Bend, was hit twice in the stomach while driving a GMC van. A passenger inside the van told police Hendrix had an earlier fight with the alleged shooter and tried to run him over with the van.

Police located a potential suspect about a half an hour later who had been grazed by a bullet on his head. No charges have been filed in connection with the case.

Two hours later, police say Preston Brown, 21, also of South Bend, was shot in the stomach at the corner of Olive St. and Vassar St. Police say Brown refused to cooperate with their investigation.

Just before 2 a.m. Saturday, police say a man was shot in the arm at The South Bank Bar on Lincolnway East. Police are not releasing his name, but believe that incident also arose following an argument.

All four shooting victims are expected to survive.

But Harold Parks, 28, of South Bend, did not survive.

He was shot in the head in an alley behind Wade's Unique Touch Car Wash in the 1800 block of Lincolnway West just before 6 p.m. Saturday. Investigators hoped Parks' death would mark the end to the holiday surge of violence.

But shots were reported fired at Western Avenue and Philippa Street about six hours later. Then, just after 6:30 a.m., police say a man reported his car was stolen at gunpoint near the corner of Linden and Johnson Streets, though he wasn't hurt.

The violence continued into the morning hours when a pregnant woman was rushed to Memorial Hospital after she was stabbed in the neck and arm during a fight outside the Laurel Court apartments, near Alonzo Watson Park. Police are not releasing the woman's name or age, but say she is expected to recover.

But perhaps the most brazen attack came as police and St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit detectives were investigating the car wash shooting, and became shooting victims themselves.

"There were some threats made to police officers by some individuals that they were angry at the police for some reason or another," said Metro Homicide Unit Assistant Commander Michael Grzegorek. "And myself and Corporal Mike Norby happened to be standing out at the crime scene talking for a minute, and some shots were fired. [They] went over the top of our heads."

Norby was previously hit in the arm and shoulder by gunfire while protecting the life of fellow officer Cpl. Nick Polizzotto during a shootout at the Wooden Indian Motel in April 2007. Polizzotto died from his gunshot wounds.

Norby and Grzegorek gave chase after the shots were fired, but couldn't find the shooters. Grzegorek says neither officer returned fire and neither was hurt.

But those living nearby say their neighborhood has been hurt by the weekend's events.

"It hurts me," said Viola King, who lives across the street from the car wash. "Kids should not be losing their lives like this."

Barbara Suggs, who lives next door, kept her grandchildren inside on a sunny Sunday afternoon, fearing for their safety.

"They won't be out on the porch any more, not out front," she said.

King said she was afraid to go outside, too.

"I leave for work every day at 4 a.m. I didn't get to work today until 6:30 because I didn't want to go while it's dark outside. This made me afraid. And it's a shame to be afraid to live where you buy your home at. It's so bad, I'm talking about moving out of town because I'm not comfortable in my own neighborhood. It's wrong," she said.

It's one big reason why investigators are pleading for help to close as many of the cases as possible. And they won't let the threat of more violence deter them.

"We're just taking extra precautions," said Grzegorek. "We all know it's a dangerous job, and things can happen. But the officers are out there on their beats, working to keep crimes from happening or find them while they're happening."

South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke was out of the country on city business over the weekend, but city spokeswoman Mikki Dobski echoed Grzegorek's sentiments, saying new police department efforts to cut crime "at its root" are working.

She pointed to recent "drunk sweeps" in downtown South Bend and the addition of extra bike patrol officers as having a major impact on the city's homicide rate dropping by more than 50 percent last year.

Even so, Grzegorek says investigators aren't stopping to pat themselves on the back.

"We're still locating witnesses and talking to them, and we're still staying pretty positive about the investigation at this point. But we can always use more. Whatever it is, the smallest detail could mean great things in this investigation," Grzegorek said.

Investigators are still looking for a forest green Pontiac with a temporary license plate, and possible damage to its front end. It was identified by several witnesses as speeding away from the shooting at the car wash.

An autopsy on Parks' body is set for Monday.

Thursday, Jul 17 at 10:42 AM MZ THANG wrote ...

1ST OF ALL...4 those who say they dont see any cars being washed their... thats a lie...that carwash is a long building and has two sides which one side the door is always shut and the other is open..plenty of business THATS WHAT Their getting..Not To Mention MONEY...THEY GETTING HONEST MONEY....So yall can shut that Stuff Up... Shout out to my boo LAMONT! LOL!

Sunday, Jul 13 at 2:43 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Hey can we impeach the mayor we should really try. I haven't seen him in months where is he. Maybe oversea trying to bring jobs to the area. Hey he did just bring us a Sconic on Portage with delicious milk shakes for only $.99 between gang shooting me and my homies enjoy a delicious shake from sconic.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 1:21 AM CM wrote ...

I dont get it there is story posted near this one about the fire department battling a blaze and no one posted a comment blaming the fireman for the fire. Why would you blame the police man for someone else commiting a crime and not a fireman for a fire that he didnt start??

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 1:11 PM Anonymous wrote ...

"H" is right. Our country is founded on violence. H, come over here so I can slap you in the back of the head.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:46 AM annonymous 2 wrote ...

To sunshine and annonymous, First I will say yes you are correct in some of your comment. True the late night activity is an open door for trouble. On the other hand to make a comment that no business was ever conducted is completely false, just because at the time of your passing they may not have appeared busy does not mean service was not being conducted.I know for a fact that many late nights being open consisted of cars being serviced ligitimatly. Speak on what you know not what you think!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:23 AM DiAnne wrote ...

Several years ago I met while working at a local bank a very nice young lady that I met there would pick me up while I was waiting on a Transpo bus, she did that whenever she would see me, so was extremely nice and polite, we also worked at the same bank, after several discussions it came up that she was from Gary and merely stated that lots of folks were moving from there to South Bend and she stated "Mark my words" just watch the crime rate take off in SB, well I'll be ???? she was on it.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:12 AM Tom wrote ...

Why do so many of you commenters use terms like "Wake up" or "Think about it"--the truth is, YOU have the power to change this by voting out the entrenched political do-nothings, by moving to a better city, by boycotting any interaction with South Bend businesses. Let the police do their jobs--stay out of their way. I used to live in South Bend--shame to see it degrade into what is has become. But, you have no-one to blame but yourselves; look at your leaders...

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:56 AM Saddness wrote ...

All of this is so stupid.Wake up young black men.Your kids are losing there dads.When will this all stop.black on black crime is getting crazy....

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:36 AM MOVE wrote ...

The only answer to all this is for everyone pick up and move out of the St. Joe area. South Bend stinks, and Mishawaka is getting just as bad. I pay all these taxes and nothing is getting done! If we can't get any support, then the only answer is to move and relocate in a decent area.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 4:39 AM Rabid Irish Fan wrote ...

South Bend is looking more and more like Gary, Indiana.

Monday, Jul 7 at 7:47 PM T Gaskill wrote ...

From what I've read from the story and posts it looks like this car wash is just a front for illegal activities. The SBPD should set up surveillance with night vision goggles and cameras in problem areas, then they should be able to get a better handle on the high crime areas. Also residents of these bad areas should get more involved with surveillance, that should hinder the crime if not stop it all together.

Monday, Jul 7 at 6:54 PM OH MY wrote ...

To Old Man: Our country should not be in Iraq 1st off, so you saying that is just ignorant. You are aware that it is sooooo true the facts leading up to the war were false. If you want others to kill people due to a lack of respect of life, then what fate do our leaders that sent us to war deserve. Thier acts are just as criminal and hanious. They are examples of how not to live in this world. Wreaking death and suffering on innocent people trying to get at a few guilty ones. Think about it!

Monday, Jul 7 at 6:20 PM hiroshi wrote ...

Respect the authority says Jesus and obey them... where are the religious people to teach how to treat others... love your neighbor as yourself... do you forget God is looking at your actions and deeds? He will judge you for what you said and did on earth.No one is above God.. He will ask you... what you did for me=???????

Monday, Jul 7 at 6:08 PM Action Annie wrote ...

The police is not to blame. It would be helpful if the Mayor would make some kind of statement. Too bad the police have their hands tied that they can't stop this once it starts

Monday, Jul 7 at 4:11 PM CANT BLAME THE COPS wrote ...

The SBPD can't be blamed for all the crime in SB. I believe its the court system. Possibly the mayor. Also I believe its the economy. I think it will get worse before it gets better. I hope there's a master plan to take care of this crime spree.

Monday, Jul 7 at 3:25 PM Old Man wrote ...

So the police are too rough on this street punks??!! There we go again with the criminals crying that they aren't the bad guys. They're getting picked on. Boo Hoo. You boys and girls of the west side don't like it? Then go on to Gary or Chicago. Or maybe to Iraq and put your anger to good use killing others who have no respect for life!! You'll never have my respect here because it's my tax dollars the politicians are having to spend on you in one way or another.

Monday, Jul 7 at 2:59 PM Steve Lueke wrote ...

I am not the mayor, but I put his name in the column to prove a point. I bet that SBPD 2 is not a police officer/city employee. Someone put that in there to get a rise out of everyone, and now you guys want to jump all over the police department for what he said. Well it worked! If the fine citizen's would cooperate and give out information that they know about crimes. Then maybe the police could put an end to this string of violence. When people refuse to help or lie it makes it impossible!

Monday, Jul 7 at 2:43 PM young black male wrote ...

the south bend police are the biggest group of thugs in the city. just look at the past year.

Monday, Jul 7 at 1:29 PM Dispatch from a small town wrote ...

Why is there so much violence concentrated in one area? It's a no brainer. It's the wild, wild west in DA BEND!!!! If all criminals shoot each other, what is the problem? That's why i love small towns in the heartland. No murders, or violence to speak of. So go ahead, residents of the Wild, wild westside, and northwest side of DA BEND, just kill each other. You save us taxpayers the bills of putting you on trial. I love small town life, and i went to LaSalle. Goodnight.

Monday, Jul 7 at 1:23 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why is this car wash still open for business. I never see cars being washed or detailed there. Isn't it unlawfull for large groups of people to gether at this place into the wee hours of the night smoking, drinking and anything else but washing and detailing automobils. Is this place being policed? Seems like a breeding ground for lots of problems.

Monday, Jul 7 at 12:43 PM H wrote ...

I mean no disrespect to police anywhere. I just feel as police some should be a little more conscious of how they express THIER feelings. Given that they choose a job serving and protecting a diverse city in a largely diverse country, founded by IMAGRANTS!

Monday, Jul 7 at 12:25 PM Sunshine wrote ...

I agree. A car wash does not need to stay open that late. You don't see major businesses doing this, like Drive & Shine. This is just opportunity for people to loiter around...What the city should do is offer incentives for businesses on Lincoln Way West to close early (~8 pm) for a trial period, and see if that reduces some crime.

Monday, Jul 7 at 12:24 PM me wrote ...

HI Tim! I totally agree with you!!

Monday, Jul 7 at 12:12 PM Anonymous wrote ...

SBPD are crooks if you could hear how they talk to young black on the Westside you would understand why they dodging bullets. There are some good officers butthere are few very bad ones. But hey the police didn't make a decision to open a carwash at night and allow drug dealing and gambling. That car wash is open until the wee hours of morning who's getting a wash and wax at 1AM close businesses like that down.

Monday, Jul 7 at 11:52 AM Rh wrote ...

Perhaps instead of the concern and focus on pulling sleeping drunks off of park benches downtown, they should be beefing up as much patrol on the west side as possible? There obviously isn't enough police presence in the area as need be.

Monday, Jul 7 at 11:48 AM Thank God for Cops wrote ...

I for one would like to thank the SBPD for protecting me and my family everyday. You are doing a great job THANK YOU! The only people at fault here are the idiots shooting each other. How can you blame the police department for that. Get real and support your local police department. If you don't like the job they are doing then take action yourself...or just hide in your homes.

Monday, Jul 7 at 11:34 AM PLM wrote ...

If the people in these neighborhoods won't cooperate with the police to identify those responsible, they might as well get used to it.

Monday, Jul 7 at 11:03 AM SDH wrote ...

Poverty, ignorance, and no purpose in life result in crime, depression, etc. It's sad! We can point our fingers at everyone else-lets take a good look at ourselves. What did I do today to help make this city a better place to live? What child (that will grow up to be an adult) did I make a difference to, or pray for today? Changes come from the inside. Yes, criminals need to be taken off the street where they are a danger to society!! We need to change the mindset/values of our young.

Monday, Jul 7 at 10:44 AM Monika from Mishawaka wrote ...

Ridiculous!!!!!

Monday, Jul 7 at 10:31 AM H wrote ...

This city does not need racists running around with badges. Violence is part of US culture as well, not just THIERS. (Hispanic people here illegaly) Our country was founded on violence if you can remember your history. A war is going on started with false pretences, and you question another cultures morality. Hispanics are not the only ones here illegally. Stop being so ignorant. Didn't we take over this land mostly with violence? Our culture is more violent that any of us are willing to admit.

Monday, Jul 7 at 10:31 AM SBPD Wife wrote ...

It is disappointing that someone would actually blame SBPD for the violence and crime in this town.My husband and fellow investigators didn't ask to get shot at out there.They were there doing their jobs,investigating a violent crime.A crime that dozen of witnesses seem to have "not seen anything". Maybe we should look at out judges who consistently snap the wrists of the criminals in this area. I hold my breath from the moment my husband leaves until he gets back home. He doesn't hesitate.

Monday, Jul 7 at 10:21 AM linny wrote ...

what Tim... were they giving away free car washes?? you sound like a bigot.

Monday, Jul 7 at 9:49 AM SBPD 2 wrote ...

When will it end? Come on people and don't take this any longer. We have to look the other way when dealing with illegals. We are told it is there culture. What about the culture of the USA! You try dealing with all this every day. We SBPD officers took an oath to Serve and Protect not knowing it was not meant for legal, law abiding Americans. It's only for the criminals, politicians, and illegals. It's time to clean up South Bend!

Monday, Jul 7 at 9:36 AM tim wrote ...

As I've suggested before (out of the box thinking), maybe if the state, county and city did away with all "give away" programs our problems would "move away".

Monday, Jul 7 at 9:22 AM Brad wrote ...

Corruption and incompetence in our Federal State and Local government is what has given rise to this violence as they have demonstrated that they can not do the job they are expected to do. These people have NOTHING to lose therefor they act in an irrational manner. This will only get worse!

Monday, Jul 7 at 9:21 AM Larry wrote ...

Wow MM.."disband the Police". That should solve the problem. (note heavy sarcasm)

Monday, Jul 7 at 9:18 AM Possible solution wrote ...

Lets get the National Guards in for one weekend to do a clean sweep of all known criminals - round them up and cut off all their public assistance, if outstanding warrant - keep them jailed - if illegal send them home. Those few remaining can return after showing they can be productive part of our community. Till then have them do some farming, cleaning or whatever needs to be done to clean up our city. Of wait - they have rights and we get to be victims!

Monday, Jul 7 at 9:06 AM Quick 2 Point A Finger wrote ...

Why are you all pointing the blame on the mayor and police? It is the stupid ignorant people out there killing each others fault. The police should be thanking them.They have a job due to the ignorance of these young and obvious stupid people.There parents obviously taught these idiots well RIGHT!! So quit pointing the finger to the police and look at the real picture. SAD BUT TRUE!!!

Monday, Jul 7 at 8:41 AM LOOK OUT FOLKS wrote ...

The west and northwest sides of South Bend are a brewing stew of major criminal issues. WAKE UP city fathers. WAKE UP!

Monday, Jul 7 at 7:49 AM to MM wrote ...

disband the police department??

Monday, Jul 7 at 7:35 AM for sale sign in yard wrote ...

Family in town during Holidays and boy were they impressed. As one member stated,for a town the size of south bend it sure is violent. And they were impressed w/fireworks on the 4th...not.

Monday, Jul 7 at 7:32 AM Anonymous wrote ...

don't blame a mayor for the stupidity of the people. blame those living in that retched area known as the west side of south Bend.

Monday, Jul 7 at 6:24 AM MM wrote ...

sb elected luecke and sb is paying for that decision. a lot of this violence is criminal on criminal. we can't and shouldn't try to stop that. the decent people need to arm themselves to keep the animals away and let the animals continue to kill each other off. the sbpd need to be disbanded.

Monday, Jul 7 at 5:38 AM Hey Steve.. wrote ...

Maybe another gun buyback program will help your career. I am tired of calling it South Bend. Hows about East Gary?

Monday, Jul 7 at 2:08 AM Homey wrote ...

Hey Luecke, out of the country on "city business"?? How many foriegn investors are going to bring business into a city that has this type of crime ?? Clean your city 1st.

Monday, Jul 7 at 1:11 AM Just Me... wrote ...

Let me make sure that I have this right..Not only is South Bend,Mishawaka,Elkhart etc. still being shot up,robbed,pilaged and burned more than ever..But South bends Mayor is out of COUNTRY,on CITY buisness..hmmmmm..maybe just making a deal down in Mexico for some of the illegals to bring up his officers some more weapons and ammunition..thanks again major,I mean mayor Luecke. Hope you enjoyed your 4th of july weekend somewhere warm,sunny,sandy and of course safe,with plenty of gas money!

Monday, Jul 7 at 12:39 AM SBPD wrote ...

This is getting so ridiculous. Thank God none of the police were injured. Makes no sense, blame the police for the shootings and take shots at them?

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 27
°
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
Wheel of Fortune
7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
NCIS
9.00
The Mentalist
10.00
Without A Trace
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman

Question of The Day

When was the last time you bought a car?

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