Northwest Indiana Discussion

Good Afternoon!

You are again among the first to receive breaking news! Fortunately, no sad stories today, just good news to take us into the weekend.

Attached please find the announcement I had promised regarding our Arrive Alive program. This is a very exciting new program for our young drivers, one that educates them on the rules of the road, the consequences for poor driving and a good amount of time behind the wheel of a squad car testing their skills on a real test track. We are going to test our young drivers on a variety of different tracks to include slicking down the pavement and putting them into a skid. Better to learn how to handle one here then out on a crowded highway!

Take a peek at the press release and feel free to pass it along to anyone you think may be interested. For safety concerns we must limit each class to only 15 students, I am certain they will fill quickly. Enrollment is open to all, a valid drivers license and a signed waiver by a parent is required.

Have a great weekend!

Mark J. Becker
Chief of Police
Portage Police Department

Good Morning;

This weekend we experienced two unfortunate events that have left one person dead and another severely injured. These events involved shootings, which we do not believe to be related at this time and while we have one matter taken care of, there is one shooting that we need your assistance with. This past Friday (May 15th), we received a report of a shooting in the Canden Apartment Complex off Willowcreek. The investigation thus far reveals that at approximately 11:15 pm a female knocked on an apartment door, when the door was opened a second unknown male entered the residence and was armed with a handgun. One of the residents of the apartment, Jeremiah Higgins (27 years of age) confronted the man and was fatally shot during the encounter.

I have attached sketches of the the man and woman that are now being sought in connection with this homicide. The female (suspect 2) is described as medium skinned, possible Hispanic or bi-racial, in her early to mid 20's, 5'5 - 5'7 tall with long black hair. The male (suspect 1) is described as a dark skinned black male, early to mid 20's, 6 - 6'3 tall with medium build and short cropped hair. We need your help! Please take a look at the attachments and let us know if you have any idea as to who they may be. You can call the department at 762-3122; contact our STOP Team at 764-5676 or text us anonymously by texting 847411 then enter PPDTIP so that the message heads our way- then of course type in the message. It is all anonymous. You may also contact 1-800-78-CRIME as yet another manner in which to provide information anonymously concerning this or any other crime tip you may wish to pass along.

It has been my experience that people are reluctant to call in their tips as they often times feel they are likely wrong and they do not want to "bother" the police. I urge you, if you think you might have information concerning this matter, do not hesitate, you are not bothering us and we appreciate your assistance.

On a happier note, 2 other events to remind you of--- This Thursday, May 21st, 7:00 pm, Portage High School (east auditorium) is our Home Defense presentation. We will be presenting ideas as to how to make your residence safer and we are pleased to have a former victim of a home invasion present to discuss her terrifying ordeal. It is free to all and we have plenty of room- hope to see you there.

Also, "Arrive Alive", our defensive driving program for young drivers will kick off on June 13th at 9am-2pm, again at the Portage High School. Spots are filling quickly, we still have a few left and we have several additional dates open for July, August, September and October. For more information, please call Assistant Chief Larry Jolley or Nadine Johnson at 762-3122.

Have a great day and be safe.

Mark J. Becker
Chief of Police
Portage Police Department
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