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$5,000 Reward Offered for Leads on Suspect Who Shot 8-year-old Girl

Oct. 27, 2020

Feds are offering a $5,000 reward for information that will lead to the arrest of those responsible in the shooting of an 8-year-old girl in East Chicago late Thursday.

By Anna Ortiz

Source The Times, Munster, Ind./TNS

$5000 reward for suspects who shot child.

EAST CHICAGO — Feds are offering a $5,000 reward for information that will lead to the arrest of those responsible in the shooting of an 8-year-old girl in East Chicago late Thursday.

On Saturday the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms announced the reward amount, asking anyone with information to contact the agency at 1-888-283-8477 or email [email protected]. Individuals can also submit anonymous tips through the Reportit App available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

"The public's assistance is imperative in identifying those responsible for this heinous crime," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristin de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division. "We are dedicated to working closely with the East Chicago Police Department and the community and will follow every lead until justice is served."

Kimberly Nerheim, ATF public information officer, asked that tipsters be as detailed as possible and provide contact information for an agent to contact if a reward is being sought.

Shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday a girl was shot in the head by a stray bullet in the 4500 block of Magoun Avenue. As of Friday afternoon police said the girl remained in critical condition. A preliminary investigation indicated an unidentified person began shooting outside the home when a stray bullet penetrated the building's north side.

The bullet struck the girl in the head while she was sitting in the living room doing homework, said East Chicago Deputy Police Chief Jose Rivera.

Individuals with information about the shooting can also contact the East Chicago Police Department Detective Miguel Pena at 219-391-8318 or the anonymous tip line at 219-291-8500.

"Anytime a child is the victim of senseless gun violence it affects and saddens us all," said Rivera. "Our detectives are working hard on this case and we'll use all the resources we have available to apprehend the individual(s) involved in this senseless shooting."

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