One dead, another injured in shooting at South Bend park

by John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

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South East Park Shooting South Bend

Police with guns stand outside South East Park in South Bend. A shooting at a reunion party left one person dead and sent another to the hospital Saturday. (WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

SOUTH BEND — Lee Coleman said it was sunny and hot, the perfect day for a cookout at Southeast Park near Wenger and Fellows streets.

About a thousand people were there with family members and neighbors having a picnic, playing basketball and enjoying each other's company.

"I heard pop, pop, pop," said Coleman. She thought it was fireworks marking an end to a great community celebration. Tragically, it was bullets that killed one person and injured another.

"I heard the shots," said NC Coleman, reunion chairman. "I told everybody to get down so I could try and figure out what was going on."

A round of bullets sent the crowd running towards the street. Lee Coleman said, "It was like a herd of cattle running."

As people fled, the streets turned chaotic, making it difficult for police and emergency crews to respond to the shooting.

Sergeant Lee Ross with the South Bend Police Department said, "When I heard the call go out, I knew that it was going to be a problem especially with the people."

Ross said there were so many people, they called for backup from all over the county.

Yellow police tape was wrapped all over the park. Ross said most of the park was covered to protect the crime scene and the body, which was covered by a white sheet.

"I kept trying to dial 911 and the call wasn't going through," said Coleman. "So many people were calling."

Once police arrived, people continued to scatter. There was a lot of emotion from people who knew the victims and the reunion's coordinators.

"This kind of stuff puts a damper on what we are trying to do," Coleman said. "But we won't let it get us down."

Coleman said the day started perfectly for the families.

"A beautiful day that the Lord had made," Coleman said. "The devil got busy and we couldn't control it."

Around 8 p.m., the sun began to set, marking a tragic end to the reunion that celebrates the community and its people.

Lee Coleman shakes her head, recalling what happened just minutes earlier.

"I was just hoping and praying it was firecrackers, not gunshots."

Witnesses told officers that the suspect left the scene in a blue colored Buick Regal traveling south on High Street. Officers stopped the car at Indiana and High streets. The suspect was placed under arrest without incident, police said.

The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit is handling this investigation. Investigators have not released the name of the person who died.

Monday, Aug 25 at 9:13 PM to shocked wrote ...

Your friend was a criminal that was to serve 2 30 year sentences. He was the one threatening Gary!! NOT the other way around! I feel sorrow to both families involved and to the loved ones and I pray for Gary to have a FAIR trial. Thank you to WSBT to finally tell more of the story even though it is still not the WHOLE story! And as for criminal backgrounds Gary had not priors where Foulks had priors. And his priors were for shooting 3 people and left them for dead!!!

Monday, Aug 25 at 7:02 PM Shocked wrote ...

I did not know that a person had the right to walk upon a person playing basketball, and say "I told you i was going to kill you". Some of you fools think that is OK. What if he had killed some of your loved ones? would you sing a different song. I don't give a flying cow how you look at it, people its wrong. I am sure Mr. Stokes is your family or friend. THE GUY HE SHOT IN THE BACK WAS MINE!!!

Monday, Aug 25 at 6:38 PM former co-worker wrote ...

I was saddened to see the news today. I worked with Mr. Stokes,and I always found him caring, dedicated and a positive influence. Infact, Gary was feature in an article in the South Bend Tribune, about his succssful afterschool program last spring. I cannot even begin to imagine what cause this terrible event to take place. I pray for all that are involved. Something has to change in this community. Our children need to feel safe in their schools, homes, parks and neighborhoods. God help us!

Monday, Aug 25 at 6:02 PM shocked wrote ...

He has a right...just like everyone else who has not committed a felony to carry a legal weapon for self-defense. He carried that gun everyday since he had been shot before and that man threatened his and his families life! As you would if put in his shoes! Again this story does not tell the WHOLE story! So NO he was not and is NOT a CRIMINAL!

Monday, Aug 25 at 2:04 PM Shocked wrote ...

Saddened, until you can give use one good reason why Mr. Stokes took a gun to the park that day, we DO NOT wanna hear that he is not a CRIMINAL. He was a CRIMINAL before he left home, he was a CRIMINAL when he left home, and he is for sure a CRIMINAL now. To bad he couldn't forgive.

Monday, Aug 25 at 1:19 PM anon wrote ...

yea starting with you, it looks like!

Monday, Aug 25 at 12:06 PM Lane Calhoun " Da' Great " wrote ...

Stop trying to believe the cops can help, they won't a dam thing and MOST of them are crooked. This shooting was a shooting that was not goin to be prevented, it is amazing thatthere was no police security BUT they patrol and harass people that live over there all of the time. Screw The law th streets is the law atleast we know out here who we can and cant trust and the police can't be trusted they gangbang just like everyone else.

Monday, Aug 25 at 9:59 AM anonymous wrote ...

WE REALLY PUBLIC GRAMMAR AND SPELLING LESSONS IN SB.

Monday, Aug 25 at 8:19 AM Southeast Side Res..cont wrote ...

Rubin "Hurrican" Carter wrote..wouldn't you think I would have a right to be bitter? If I have learned nothing else in my life, I've learned that bitterness only consumes the vessel that contains it. And for me to permit bitterness to control or infect my life, in any way whatsoever would be to allow those who imprisoned me to take even more than the twenty-two years they've already taken. Now, that would make me an accomplice to their crime. Encourage young people to let go of bitterness

Monday, Aug 25 at 8:06 AM Southeast Side Resident wrote ...

I know people have their views about why violence happens in our neighborhoods, but lets not forget the families that have experienced a loss this weekend. Gun laws and police control will never remove hate from a heart! Hate is what took a life this weekend. It amazes me how the blame goes to the police, the conditions of the area and the government. Have we all forgotten that there is a devil out there seeking out who he can devour??

Monday, Aug 25 at 7:48 AM Venola wrote ...

I am really worried in regards to reducing the police force with crime/murder going rapid. I moved here from Gary over 20 years ago to give my boys a better life. Well I feel that South Bend is Gary all over again. Something needs to be done, and quick. I do not want to be afraid and worry every time my children walk out the door. We need to get together and find a solution before it is too late!

Monday, Aug 25 at 7:44 AM Mike wrote ...

I am sorry for the family. I love the thought of todays citizen. Blame everyone else but the people involved. That is what is wrong with the many of todays people. Most want everyone else to take the blame when something goes wrong. It isn't the white house, governor or mayor. It is the idiots who commit stupid crimes fault. Use your head people and yes I am sure if Obama was president all crime in the city would disappear. I love the small brain capacity of most liberals.

Monday, Aug 25 at 7:41 AM saddened wrote ...

What this story does not tell you is the man that shot the other man is not at all a criminal!!! He is a good honest man! The man that he shot had shot him 16 years ago and has been out of prison for 1 year. That same man brought a gun and threatened the shooters life. He pulled his gun and so the shooter shot him in self defense. WSBT needs to get the WHOLE story!

Monday, Aug 25 at 6:06 AM southeast side resident wrote ...

really what is the police good for!!!!!!!!!!!!! i guest everybody should solve there own problems, cuz that what their doing any ways by retaliate. and the police is only good for pulling people over to pass out tickets, good (SBPD).

Monday, Aug 25 at 1:04 AM Mr.Smith wrote ...

Personally I beleive our criminal laws are too lax, there seems to be no substanial penalty for cold blooded murder! it's a fact that henious crimes like murder only embolden the perpetrator to amass more respect in either prison or on the street.. . take that from these modern day lawbreakers and and I wonder if that'll make a difference. . . regards as to who's in the Whitehouse,Congress,Mayor's office and the Chief of Police.

Monday, Aug 25 at 1:01 AM Mr.Smith wrote ...

My prayers go out for the families and friends involved in this recent tragedy, It never ceases to amaze me how some will attribute events like to too many guns,ok then take every gun from every American then problem solved? get Mitch Danials out of office and all crime will cease? vote Obama and Biden and gangs across America will turn in their weapons? Elect a new Mayor who then appoints a new police chief and S/B murder rate drops to zero? not likely to all of these suggestions. see next post

Sunday, Aug 24 at 10:53 PM Jim wrote ...

Everyone deserves the same protection and freedom for this kind of acts, Unfortunately there aren't enough armed citizens. This is the sort of shame that will continue to happen unless ALL able body citizens are armed.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 10:45 PM dispatch wrote ...

Annyomous did you say Democrate in control? take a look around buddy did you 4get Mitch Daniels i believe he is a Republican, maybe he wants to sell the police departments to to the highest bidder. I wouldn't be an officer in SB if they pd me billions of $

Sunday, Aug 24 at 10:37 PM SBPD wrote ...

Great Job to Chief Boykin and his staff for quickly apprehending the suspect...And Mayor Lickie, what have you done lately??

Sunday, Aug 24 at 10:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'm very upset with what happen at the southeast side reunion, and comments like the one from Stephine will not change or help the situation. I just wish if you feel the need to comment think of the families and what and they are feeling. My soul and heart are hurting and my prayers go out to all the families.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 9:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Stephanie-Stick to the matter at hand.We can't control what our family members do.We have our own minds and we are the only ones that can control our actions.If you feel the need to comment about the terrible situation that is fine but don't bring someone in this who has dedicated his life to protecting and serving this community.He has nothing to do with this.Both families are going through a lot right now comments like yours are not needed.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 9:25 PM MsS PaCkmAn wrote ...

Violence is something that communities are faced with by the second. It will never cease due to the wickedness that surrounds us daily. A citizens of this country, we all have to due are part by educating our young ones to do the right thing. Honesty and Integrity is not practiced in every household across America. My family is quite close to the victim's family, this is a difficult time for all of us. This young man had rehabilitated himself to portray his life in a positive manner. Why this!

Sunday, Aug 24 at 9:05 PM Anon wrote ...

There shouldn't have to be police at a picnic. If they want security they need to pay for it.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 9:01 PM old skool wrote ...

I have known Derrick for years .I know what happen to him in the past that sent him to Prison.I think he done his time in prison.I hope he gave his life to God because we all have sin.I am praying for his family and his grands.This kind of thing should not happen at all.Their was alot of kids out there . My son is only 12yrs old and has to see a person laying on the ground shot. How do i explain good people die. RIP in PEACE love CUZ.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 5:45 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Well STEPHANIE it seems that your resources and yourself have no ideal what they are talking about. Just because the suspect is said to be a family member of an SBPD officer does not mean that that person is a dishonest person. I'm sure the person who made the comment has a few bad seeds in their family but does that make them bad!!!!!NO it does not and the same goes for you...... That is how rumors get started in the first place, so if you are not for sure of situation it's best not to speak.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 5:40 PM Michael Mcmann wrote ...

Kids think that guns are toys and they are playing in some kind of park behind their homes. That is why there are so many shootings and muggings around. This kids watch so many horror movies and the internet games that only show murder killings and muggins so they are inmune to all violence. If this kids go to school to learn how to be good citizens why not practice in the streets and do not cause so much pain to so many families that continuously loose members of their familty in gun violence?

Sunday, Aug 24 at 5:06 PM snk wrote ...

i was with derick all n the morning at washington high school watching our sons play against each other n pop warner football n we both had the same plan go to the reunion after the game i was there before he was n my wife had weird feeling about the reunion she told me lets go somewhere else to eat n we did n we never went bac if we had return to the park i would been around derick n his family talking about the game god work in mystrious ways r heart gooes out to his family rest n peace homie

Sunday, Aug 24 at 5:03 PM Just Me wrote ...

Stephanie if your talking about MR STOKES he has nothing to do what his family member do.Officer Stokes is a find person he is so nice and plesant you will never see him screaming at any one.Always so calm

Sunday, Aug 24 at 3:27 PM Stephaine wrote ...

It is my understanding the suspect is a family member of a SBPD officer who in himself is a question mark as far as honest

Sunday, Aug 24 at 3:22 PM Sad Day wrote ...

I am so saddended by the evnets of the day. But these are the things tht are going on in all the cities across the nation. Sb is just a middle american town with Big City issues. There is not a decent place for the people in the inner city to go during the summer. I remember when a fist was all you needed to settle disputes. What needs to be focusing on is the up and comng election. If we do not elect Obama and Biden,we could psooibly have this kind of turmoil all over this city.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 2:54 PM South East Side Resident wrote ...

Many residents were raised in this area and would like to give back, participate in the revitilization and hold on to hope that revitalizing the area can be successful. There are many areas where this could have happened so tragedy can strike anywhere. It's unfortunate that it just happened to have struck here. If everyone lived in fear as to what could happen, we would no longer have the opportunity to live. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 2:32 PM Jug Head wrote ...

I cant wait intill it SNOW maybe everyone would cool off.It's funny people have so many so call friends after you die I have'nt figure that one out yet.I would of never cam to this event cause I knew this was going to happen look at the surroundings go figure whats new

Sunday, Aug 24 at 1:26 PM USE TO LIVE THERE wrote ...

My heart goes out for the people who still live in SB I decided to leave SB to get away from the gang volience so I could raise my children in a better place. My brother was then killed in 2003 due to an argument. Charles A. Sherman A.K.A (Bo)died at the age of 23 on the SouthEast Side of town. My Prayers go out to the children who are being raised there. My advise pack up your family and leave.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 1:14 PM Junkyard Dog wrote ...

Seems to me like the real issue here is GUNS! Why did these people carry these guns to the reunion in the first place? I have no sympathy for anyone killed in a gun fight that is not an innocent bystander or a cop. I will bet niether of these guns were registered and I also bet neither of the people had a license to carry the guns. Where did they get them? If you live by the gun, there is a good chance you will die by the gun.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 12:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

time for a new cheif of police and mayor

Sunday, Aug 24 at 12:11 PM To:10:14 AM Anonymous wrote ...

ND is not getting rid of the ghetto as you call it, they are just pushing to other areas.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 11:58 AM Child of God wrote ...

Let me say, that it was an incident at the Lakeside Reunion, a male was running from a larger male across Washington St and he then reached in the back of his shirt and pulled a gun out and pointed it at the male who was chasing him, however, several people had a hold of him keeping him from running across the street after the male stooped down aiming his weapon at the crowd in which the , I hollered across the way, Don't shoot that gun in the name of JESUS.by the Grace of God he did not shoot.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 11:15 AM Benton Harbor South wrote ...

There should not have to be a police presence at a neighborhood reunion. If they want to shoot each other up, police their own reunions and keep the thugs out. How many have had to have a police presence at your neighborhood or family reunions?? Not many, I bet !!

Sunday, Aug 24 at 11:13 AM bernetta now live in tennesse wrote ...

i seen derrick folks when i came back 2 sb i ask him do him do he remeber me an my brother bruce i told him me an him us 2 be in Mrs little class at studerbaker derrick seem so sweet pray go out 2 family an southeast side

Sunday, Aug 24 at 10:50 AM CBA wrote ...

It's too bad that at a family event like this no police were present. The other neighborhood reunions in town had the presence of police. Prayers go out to the victims and their families, and also the alleged shooter and family.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 10:49 AM Tommy T wrote ...

I spoke with a wonderful lady that was at the Lake Park party. There were no incidents. THe rummors of there was trouble and there was room for retaliation was used only as and excuse for some low life thugs to create hate and discontent.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 10:16 AM lakeshore wrote ...

It looks like South Bend has turn into Benton Harbor Mi.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 10:14 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Like I have said before South Bend is the new Benton Harbor!! That is why I live in a gated community and have moved from the westside of South Bend and have not been back since, as fo ND they are buying up all the land and getting rid of there getto's!!

Sunday, Aug 24 at 8:09 AM To "11:27" wrote ...

You may want to read this article: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1099862,paradeshooting080908.article "Two teens shot while leaving Bud Billiken Parade"

Sunday, Aug 24 at 8:03 AM Fire Storm wrote ...

Will someone please give me the break down - How many white men, black men, white women, and black women have been killed this year. I read the headlines yesterday that it was 11, but this will make it 12 people who have been killed so far this year.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 8:02 AM Fire Storm wrote ...

Re Tammy: My feelings are hurt. I did not get invited. I lived near the fairgrounds.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 6:30 AM anonymous wrote ...

Every week someone gets shot in South Bend. I don't know why anyone would want to raise kids there.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 4:21 AM south east side till i die wrote ...

i would like 2 tip my hat n pour my liqour 2 tha good man we lost 2 day n when i say we..i meen tha southeast side

Sunday, Aug 24 at 3:13 AM David wrote ...

well well well....isn't THIS a shocker!?

Sunday, Aug 24 at 2:36 AM concerned wrote ...

when there are over one thousand people in an urban setting, security is a must. Remember, one bad apple can color the other 999 a horrible color.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 1:07 AM unknown wrote ...

wooooow this is really SAD my prayers are with the family!! MAY GOD BLESS THEM!! and SBI are you erious about cutting police officers you must be out of your RN MINDS!!HUH IF IT WAS UP 2 ME I WOULD PUT ALL THE IDIOTS THAT GET CAUGHT WITH GUNS BEHIND BARS FOR THE REST OR THEIR LIFE IF I WAS SOMENODY BIG IN THE JUDICIAL SYSYEM!!! SBI LETS GET IT TOGETHER PLEASE!!!!!???

Sunday, Aug 24 at 12:59 AM Say what? wrote ...

I am sorry anonymous at 11:39, but I can't understand what you wrote. Oh well, prayers to the family anyway. I hope someday this violence will come to an end.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 12:46 AM Gary in Boston wrote ...

Crime and Hate have nothing to do with "Democratic Control" ... It is a complex human issue .. I remain an "Independent" politically just because of those types of implications ... Having lived in the Midwest and the West for numerous years, I would prefer the kindness and friendliness of the people in those parts of the country but whoever has the temporary majority in the government can't unfortunately control human behavior and emotion .. Quality of life in South Bend is superior over Boston!

Sunday, Aug 24 at 12:44 AM Not Shocked wrote ...

How many "reunions" have you gone to where a fight or gunfire breaks out?? Personally, not a single one. I'm sure it wasn't drug or gang related. The mayor and the police do not pull the triggers; idiots do !!!!

Saturday, Aug 23 at 11:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

that was so bad i was like sitting down and i turned my head next thing u kno the man that was playing basketball was dead his name was derrick me and him was really close it just im praying that his family will be better and his daughter also who does that just because he shot u 17 or 18 years ago doesnt mean u got to shoot him that is really dume and stupid known the man who shot derrick matbe got to serve life

Saturday, Aug 23 at 11:38 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Crime is EVERYWHERE, murders are committed EVERYWHERE! NOT just in South Bend Indiana!

Saturday, Aug 23 at 11:31 PM Jim R wrote ...

It is time for the black community to step up and bring this black on black violence to an end. Where are the black pastors? Where is Brother Sage? This would be a great topic for his radio show. South Bend is a city with potential, but as it stands now, that potential is not being met.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 11:27 PM intersted wrote ...

It is a shame that we cnnot even go to a park and have a neighborhood reunion. I recently attended the Bud Billenkin parade in Chicago,one of the largest parades in the country,and guess what what? No shootings and no deaths. There about 1million more people in Chicago than in South Bend.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 11:19 PM Tammy wrote ...

Reply to Fire Storm...It is not a family reunion, it is a reunion for the whole South East Side of town, and with so many people attending from all over the police need to be there.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 11:17 PM Corey wrote ...

To Jim: What kind of perfect world do you want to live in? One with rainbows and butterflies. Not trying to take this issue lightly, but any big city your going to have trouble. Like I've said before, police officers can't prevent a shooting. If they could, I'm sure they would prevent all of them they could. It's life, murders are going to happen.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 10:55 PM Finesse wrote ...

To clear some things up, it was a SOUTHEAST SIDE REUNION. There is a reunion for each side of town, for those that used to live there or grew up there. It is sorta like a family reunion, but it is really not a family reunion. It is a NEIGHBORHOOD/SIDE OF TOWN reunion.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 10:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Boston, really? Let's see, what do Boston and South Bend have in common? Oh, wait, Democratic control.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 10:06 PM Gary of Boston wrote ...

I agree with U of ND Neighbor ... Try living in Boston and you realize that South Bend is like living in Heaven!

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:57 PM Fire Storm wrote ...

Why would the police go to a "family" reunion? The last family reunion I went to we did not need the police.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:52 PM Sad wrote ...

It is really sad that a good event like this was ruined by some scum of the earth. I hope no children were hurt in this. I guarantee the reason for the shooting will be over stupid stuff. Old School Southeast-The police presence was probably down because they are not allowed to hire overtime to cover these events. The beat cars are too busy to spend too much time there.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:45 PM Rodney wrote ...

Me and my son were riding past that spot about a mile away and we herd 5 shots...could we have heard a murder?

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:35 PM u of nd neighbor wrote ...

Maybe Jim should move out of South Bend. There are shootings in every city in the US, so get over it - life happens.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:24 PM SUSAN wrote ...

WELL ANOTHER DAY IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND. ANOTHER SHOOTING AND THE CITY WANTS TO CUT THE POLICE OFFICES COME ON YOU CANT DO THAT THERE ARE TO MANY PORBLOMS OUT HERE.MAYOR WAKE UP YOUR CITY IN TROUBLE WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET THE MAYOR TO LISTEN THE POEPLE NEEDS HELP NOW NOT TOMORROW NOW. GET OFF YOUR BUNS AND HELP THE POLICE OUT HERE.!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:14 PM Old School Southeast Sider wrote ...

The Reunion was a very nice event with old friends and family. I noticed there was not as strong of a police presence as at the Lake Reunion and it was supposed to end at 6, but I believe the shooting would have happened anyway because the shooter came with Satan in his heart to kill and destroy. My heart goes out to the young man's family and the murderers family too. May God have mercy on them all. I hope the whole Southeast Side is not judged because of the actions of a few.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:05 PM Jim wrote ...

Why anyone would want to live in South Bend any longer is beyond me. Maybe the U of ND should move their univerisity.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 8:49 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Yes let's cut more police officers jobs. What was the count 40 cuts for SBPD and 15 more for the SJCP.....

Saturday, Aug 23 at 8:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'm sure this will fit the trend of all the other shootings around here.

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