Victim of gunfire exchange identified

BY STAN MADDUX

Aman died from his wounds following a gun fire exchange in Michigan City while another man shot was seriously hurt.

A 17-year-old boy also accused of firing shots is being detained while prosecutors decide how to proceed with the case.

Those are the details police are just releasing in connection with the shootings that occurred about 7 p.m. on Monday.

La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson identified the victim this morning as Charles “Chocolate” Garrett Cox, 22, of Michigan City.

She said an autopsy of the body is scheduled this morning.

According to police, the investigation shows both shooting victims were 22 and involved in an altercation at 8th and Spring streets when gunfire erupted.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 10, police said one of the 22-year-old survivors didn’t fire any shots but just the deceased and juvenile.

Police didn’t specify which of the 22-year-old men fired.

A video of what appeared to be a gun battle revealed well over 20 shots were fired.

The video also shows one of the men was next to a car parked along the curb when he turned and began returning fire then dropped to the pavement.

That man fired a few more shots before crawling his way into the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

According to the video, several more gunshots fired from somewhere rang out about 30 seconds later.

Police said one of the injured men was found unconscious after leaving in his vehicle and crashing about three blocks away.

That man later died at the hospital.

Police said the other man found at the scene of the gun battle was later transferred to another hospital for advanced care.

So far, police have not released his name. According to police, the juvenile was present during the exchange and also fired shots.

He was being held at the La Porte County Juvenile Services Center while the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office after reviewing the evidence decides formal charges, police said.

Hikers To Visit Vineyard Trails

The Harbor Country Hikers will hike the hills and vineyards of Mt. Tabor Trails at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20. Hike leader and Hikers President Pat Fisher will explain why Southwest Michigan’s terroir makes it ideal for growing grapes.

The group will cover a little more than two of the 3.5 miles of trails that loop through woods and vineyards. The hike is rated Moderate, with plenty of hills. Depending on the weather, the trails’ clayey soil could make for some slippery walking.

For more information about the May 20 hike, including driving directions, visit the group’s website, www. harborcountryhikers.com, or its Facebook page. — STAFF REPORTS

Film Group To Welcome Chicago Director At May Meeting

Chicago director Kyle Leland Cullerton will present his film “Hammersmith” and lead a discussion at the Monday, May 22, meeting of the Harbor Country Film Group at 6:30 p.m. at the New Buffalo Township Library, located at 33 N. Thompson Street in downtown New Buffalo.

“Hammersmith” follows the behindthe-scenes chaos of fictional filmmaker Bayou Straights as he directs, stars and does his own stunts for his actionpacked film franchise. As the production spins out of control, the cast and crew try mightily to bring Bayou’s narcissism and delusions back to reality.

Cullerton’s dark comedy evolved from a contest-winning short that was selected to screen at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Raised in Chicago, Cullerton spent his summers in Harbor Country.

All are welcome at Film Group meetings, and there is no charge for admission. Popcorn, fresh and free, will be served. — STAFF REPORTS