Three South Bend teenagers shot late Saturday night Save Email Print
Posted: 6:03 PM Aug 24, 2008
Last Updated: 9:23 AM Aug 25, 2008
Reporter: Erin Logan
Email Address: erin.logan@wndu.com

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Police say three teenagers were shot early Sunday morning on Mishawaka Avenue near the American Legion.

It happened around 1:15 a.m., shortly after a party ended at that function hall.

The manager says she rented it to a group of Indiana University South Bend students.

The teenagers are okay, but neighbors are furious.

During the day, they love their River Park neighborhood. But on specific weekend nights, two separate families we talked to live in fear.

That is why they won't give their names.

"We've all been saying for a month, 'it's coming to a head.' It's going to happen," said one neighbor.

And early Sunday morning it did. Police say multiple shots were fired somewhere around that area. Three people were struck. The victims were two 17-year-olds and one 14-year-old. One was shot in the arm and two were shot in the foot. Police say the injuries are not life-threatening.

"I don't understand why that age of kids were out at 1:00 in the morning, but they're lucky they survived," said the neighbor. When asked if he believed the shooting was related to the party, he responded, "Without a doubt. Without a doubt."

The American Legion manager, Christy Pulaski, believes otherwise.

"It was unfortunate that this happened. I don't believe it was affiliated with the party," she emphasized.

Pulaski says she rented the hall to a group of IUSB students who raise money for underprivileged kids, and that she has rented to them several times before.

"I hope they catch who did this. We're very upset," she said. When asked if she ever denies requests from people wanting to rent the hall, she responded, "We have before, yes. If we feel we're going to be trouble."

Neighbors say it is this same group that has been keeping them up and causing trouble.

"We started a petition today to get everyone to sign it, bring it to the commander at the Legion here, the IUSB chancellor, Steve Luecke, Joe Donnelly. We want something to be done," explained the neighbor we spoke with. "We don't want to feel scared in our own homes."

Police say they do not believe the victims were at the IUSB party, considering their ages. They say the victims do not know who the shooter was and were unable to give a description.

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Posted by: jim Location: mishawaka on Sep 2, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Hmmm, IU students with 14 year old kids? Maybe if the police would PATROL a little more, maybe things like these wouldnt happen!

Posted by: Pot calling Kettle Black on Sep 2, 2008 at 01:42 AM
To Linda. Get off your high horse. I won't (will not) tell others "grammer" is spelled grammar. Talk about ignorant.

Posted by: Sharon Location: South Bend on Sep 1, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Countrygirl- Where is your mom coming from? Back in the 50' and 60's you could go out at night and be alone and no one would bother you at any time. We were never afraid and our parents did not need to worry about us. It was a good and safe place to live back then. No matter where it was in South Bend it was never bad. Back then parents cared about their kids and knew where their kids were all the time and raised them right. There were your normal fight between young people but they used their fists not guns and knives. Tell your Mom to give you the true story about growing up back then. The town was a much safer and better place by far. Come on I was just a child and I saw how it was. Unless your mom was a hoodlum then her story is not true at all.

Posted by: Sharon Location: South Bend on Sep 1, 2008 at 03:06 PM
You can't blame the Mayor or Joe Donnely for this one. You have to blame the parents. Why is a 14 year old and 2 17 year olds out this late? I guess their parents don;t care and sending them off to a party is a cheap babysitter.These parents should be put in jail for a few days so they can relearn the laws. Theere is a curfew and these parents are the ones who should uphold it. Thank God these kids were not hurt seriously but I think we should hold their parents responsible. When our kids were young my husband and I respected the law and there were not out past curfew. Come on parents step up to the pump and teach your kids right from wrong before it is too late. Get off your lazy butts and be grownups and stick to the laws or you need to pay the price. You would be the first one screaming if something really bad would happen to them.

Posted by: to Linda Location: plymouth on Sep 1, 2008 at 07:49 AM
"they're" or "they are"...people will take you much more seriously, and value the "opinion you are entitled to", if you learn proper grammer. Ignorant people....

Posted by: Bethany Location: Plymouth on Sep 1, 2008 at 07:42 AM
cracked your head open with a "broad"?! Too funny....

Posted by: bizzarro on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Neighbors afraid to give their names? In America? In the 21st century? How is that "freedom"? There are parts of town that are off limits to decent people. How is that freedom? Looking around, I have to conclude that the yearning for "freedom" happens to few people. Most of you think freedom is something you have more of the more you can afford it. Sad. Just gimme a gud jahb and a nice neighborhood and don't bother me with the rest. But I vote, at least. And I study the candidates... can ya have a beer with the feller? Beam me up, Scotty. There's no intelligent life down here.

Posted by: IU South Bend Student on Aug 26, 2008 at 05:17 PM
WNDU---this is sickening! You didn't even contact IU South Bend if this "club" was even an officially recognized student organization. What is with you and the Trib? CRAPPY reporting. Where is your journalistic integrity. Journalism 101 -- Never take anything at face value and always double check quotes. Basically, if you're mother tells you she loves you, YOU DOUBLE CHECK!

Posted by: James on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:30 PM
This is human society: First they tolerate and exalt violence, treating it as if it were "neat" - then they complain when their streets become dangerous. And their solution? A cop on every corner. You're just going to wallow ever more in strife, in Hell, and all the more scratch your heads and wonder what's going on. What a spectacle. Beam me up, Scotty...

Posted by: Harry Location: South Bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:50 PM
To Countrygirl - I don't know where your mother lived or hungout in SB in the 50's & 60's but, I think she's way off base. I used to ride a bike from Ivy Road (near Notre Dame) to Thomas St. I was in grade school at the time. After school, I went to my grandmother's house on Scolum St. just off of Western Ave. and I never had a problem. Back then, you could walk down Thomas to Walnut to Western to Scolum, in the dark and never have anyone bother you. Now, you risk injury even in the daytime.

Posted by: HonestONe on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:20 AM
To bad...oh well, what else is new....

Posted by: Ross Location: Granger on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:43 AM
I have lived in several states in my 51 years on Earth, BUT this area is Number 1 on my list as to the most dangerous place to live, considering how small it really is, keep oing Michiana, and soon all the jobs and people will be gone

Posted by: anonymous Location: south bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 09:09 PM
have any of you thought about the kids probably snuck out the window after their parents went to bed....kids will be kids and are quite sneaky...but they were probably up to no good. I hae raised 5 kids and know they arent always where they should be.

Posted by: Rob Location: Elkhart on Aug 25, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Maybe instead of blaming everyone else that WASNT INVOLVED you should start blaming the little punk hoodrats that swarm the area. Let SB go to minorities like they want, let it fill up with government money and have no jobs, it's not like they want jobs anyway. Eventually the will kill each other. Are there any white people still stupid enough to stay in SB? The hoodrats will take care of themselves if you give them the right situation. As far as the wall comment, I say build it and keep throwin' em in!

Posted by: Julie on Aug 25, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Hey as long as Notre Dame is ok that's all that matters... right? The rest of South Bend, to h*ll in a handbag...

Posted by: Charles Location: Berrien on Aug 25, 2008 at 05:27 PM
South Bend is the same as Tale of Two Cities St Joe and Benton Harbor. A lot of the families moved from South Bend and the Business followed as did Benton Harbor. Downtown South Bend is nothing compared to what is use to be as my samily and I were there many times a year. Now there is nothing to attract the people back and the bad press does not help. It is not the fault of WNDU WSBT or any news agency that South Bend is failing. The City leaders are to blame. I have been to downtown one time in the last 5 years and that was to a WNDU sponsored function. Did I feel safe driving down Lincoln Way not really did I feel safe down town not really. The perceived notion of a area dictates who will visit it be it right or wrong. The malls and Granger area have attracted business and families away from South Bend. WHY? The perceived notion of the area and not finding any attractions there on a daily basis to bring people in to South Bend other to drive thru or visit a function for a few hours

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2008 at 03:12 PM
maybe if all the on duty policemen where not hanging out with off duty policemen at all the local bars and nightclubs on the weekends they could actually be patrolling the nieghborhoods and keeping us safe...

Posted by: Anonymous Location: south bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Hey Harry and Linda... Legal age is 18 years old. Hey, if the law passes..18 year old kids will be drinking legally. It will justify taking these kids to jail for PI or DUI! College students are 18 years old or older - they need to grow up and be responsilbe! Too bad if they have/had parents that didn't teach them right or wrong. Take them to jail and maybe they will learn! The hard way!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Isn't there a curfew law? Why is it not being enforced? South Bend has gone freakin crazy!!!!!!

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Elkhart on Aug 25, 2008 at 01:41 PM
To Charles @ 9:34 p.m. - Is Benton Harbor still worse off then South Bend? I'm from St. Joe, MI and since moving down here I think South Bend has been a lot worse from what I read...I could at least drive through Benton Harbor. I was just wondering since I don't hear much about Benton Harbor in the news like South Bend's daily shootings.

Posted by: Harry Location: somewhere on Aug 25, 2008 at 01:34 PM
To Mary, yes you go to a "good" school like one in Michigan!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: 26th on Aug 25, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Baggy pants gangs kids, just like South Bends mayor, RUN , are you the MAYOR Steve???

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Oh for pets sake, JOe Donnely has nothing to do with this. The real culpert is the one who did the shooting, and the Mayor of South Bend. The American Legion has done wonderfull things for us Veterans, concerning our rights and health care. You live near a commercial area, with a lot of bars. Where you have booze you have drunks who have temper issues. If the minors were at the party, then the persons having it should be charged with contributing to the delengency of aminor.

Posted by: Mary Location: South Bend, IN on Aug 25, 2008 at 01:00 PM
I go to IUSB now, but if the shootings in the area continue, I may have to transfer out of this school and move to another state. I don't want to do that.

Posted by: Anon Location: River Park on Aug 25, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Only 5 people got shot in SB on Sat. Not bad. I'm glad I just bought a house 1/2 block from the Legion. Yeah, I feel safe. I lived here for a whole 6 months before my garage got broken into. Nice town!

Posted by: raggedy Location: south bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 12:50 PM
if that was my 14 yr old or my 17 yr old not only would they have been shot they would heck to pay at home would'nt see the outside world for quite some time. actually i think they belong in the jjc for a whlie or down in pendleton

Posted by: Countrygirl Location: Indiana on Aug 25, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Thank you Lord for my country home. I don't mind spending the extra money for gas to drive into South Bend everyday for work. My kids will NOT run the street of South Bend. My mother grew up in South Bend in the 50's and 60's and she says it was terrible then as well. I feel sorry for the out of control childern. Most likley the parent(s) are to selfish to care that their childern are growing up hard. In some situations good kids get mixed up. Help is avaliable in your community. Admitting their is a problem and asking for help is hard, but the loss of your child to the streets is harder. The sooner you stop the situation the better. Take the first step and accept Jesus into your heart. His people are right here waiting for you. Talk to a church pastor, attend worship, prayer, healing, redemption, and eternal salvation will be yours.

Posted by: Linda Location: Granger on Aug 25, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Harry, I'm the one who said teachers (professors) should chaperones due to the fact college age kids are just that, kids. Their not all responsible adults yet so they need supervision yet. That's my opinion, and I'm entitled to it.

Posted by: DG-River Park Location: South Bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 12:35 PM
OK - another problem in River Park neighbor"HOOD"! Every week it is something...arson or some type of crime. The police just don't care and do not understand how us homeowners feel that live in River Park with all the crime the last several years! I have called the police (911) and the cops will come out and blame the Judges, blame the system, and no one goes to jail. This behavior and crime in River Park and other neighborhoods will not stop until some "Top Executive/Big Shot" decides to start doing the job and training our police how to resolve the crime and teach them how to stop the crime. And, not blame the system and city authorities that they work for. It has been going on and serious for the past 5 years. You would think someone would care about our community; and start correcting the issues/problems before we have another police officer get shot and killed! It's called WAR in the United States neighborhoods, people killing each other.

Posted by: Amanda Location: South Bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:49 AM
This has been an ongoing problem at the Legion for quite awhile now. The neighbors had to call the police last weekend because of problems, and then again Saturday night. When the police were called the first time about a fight breaking out, they never even came out! No one even showed up until gunshots were flying!Neighbors have tried talking with the Legion and the only response they get is "It doesn't happen inside the building,so it's not our problem." The city needs to put an end to the problems this establishment is causing.Neighbors have had personal property damage due to the fights that break out there, and guess who has to pay?Not the Legion nor their trouble making patrons.Twice there have been shootings there.That should be enough of a red flag to signal that something needs to be done about it!When they are serving underage kids alcohol and allowing people to take the drinks outside, look what happens!I say, pull their liquor license.It would sure cut down on the problems!

Posted by: Mark Location: Mishawaka on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:30 AM
South Bend residents and officials need to WAKE UP, and soon. Parents, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR CHILDREN!! And city officials, DO SOMETHING other than lie to everyone and telling us how crime has gone down in South Bend and everything is hunky dorrey. Charles from Berrien makes a great point. Being from that area I'm all too familiar with it. South Bend, drive an hour or so to your north. Take a drive through "downtown" Benton Harbor. Take note of the empty buildings and boarded windows. This is your future if you don't WAKE UP PEOPLE!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:13 AM
the cops will catch them then your judges will give them probation!

Posted by: Gary Location: Indiana on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Another story about a gun saving someone's life...oh wait, not its not. It's the opposite...as usual.

Posted by: jim Location: michiana on Aug 25, 2008 at 10:36 AM
South Baghdad, Indiana. Thanks Steve for all your hard work while in office. Democrats Rock!.......

Posted by: Harry Location: somewhere on Aug 25, 2008 at 10:24 AM
What is with the responces with the Granger people, got one that doesn't make sence and one that says teachers should be chaperoning. This is a college not a high school.

Posted by: M Location: V on Aug 25, 2008 at 10:23 AM
All of you are losing sight of the real problem in Michiana - Pier Jumping.

Posted by: tom k. on Aug 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
why is everybody shooting people, for god sake these are not cap guns, these guns hurt people if you want to shoot people go to iraq, there's no waiting line for you people. come on people WAKE UP!

Posted by: River Park Neighbor Location: South Bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I am starting to live in fear in River Park. I have never felt this way before. I have been approached and harassed by people begging for money and been threatened by meth heads on my own property. This is just the beginning I fear. What sadness I feel for my community when I walked my dogs on Sunday morning and happened on blood spattered sidewalks from these teens! I was mortified to what the concrete showed me! What has happened to this community?? I feel I am currently on a first name basis w/ SB 911 dispatch. I have bullet holes in my house already, I don't know what to do! At dusk I feel like I live in the old west. I often hear gunfire and often see scary scenes on the street. I love River Park and chose to buy a home, support this community and pay my taxes here. But now I fear I need to leave for my own safety. I am not wealthy and work 60 a week for my modest dwelling and lifestyle. Mayor Steve and the other officials, are you listening, we need some help asap!!

Posted by: joe on Aug 25, 2008 at 09:25 AM
where these iusb students even of age to rent this place. don't they require some type of liability insurance. was alcohol served? was anyone under 21 allowed in? who provide security? this was a disaster waiting to happen. should be no suprise here

Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Aug 25, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Quit blaming the NRA. Do you think the idiots who shot these kids are members of the NRA? Do you think that the gun they used was registered? Do you think they have a license to carry that gun? I don't think so. Who knows the full story? What were these kids doing out at 1:15 in the morning? Anytime a kid is out that late, they are usually up to no good. Apparently the gunman was not trying to kill them. One shot in the arm and two shot in the foot. I find it hard to imagine that a member of the NRA was out just shooting people at random. There are always going to be guns on the streets and if you want to outlaw guns, all you will be doing is taking the guns out of the hands of people who only have them for protection. You will not take the guns away from criminals. They break the laws anyway. It is illegal to break into my house. Does this law stop a criminal? NO.. Criminals do not care about the laws. I should have the right to protect myself and my family.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Hey Rick not everyone should own a gun!!!! But descent law abiding citizens darn sure should be a able to own and carry a gun if they so choose!!!! PERIOD

Posted by: To Eric on Aug 25, 2008 at 08:08 AM
As a student, you should worry about your safety. The Mayor is cutting the police force - something does need to be done.

Posted by: Anon Location: South Bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Where are the parents?! MIA!? Haul them in for questioning - starting with "why don't you know where your kids is at 1 am?"

Posted by: Linda Location: Granger on Aug 25, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Renting a hall out to young adults is asking for trouble. If the group was trying to raise money for underprivilaged kids then why couldn't the event be held on campus somewhere. They certainly have a gym or cafeteria or even outside on the grounds. The event should also be chaperoned by teachers.

Posted by: Me Location: South Bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Eric: I completely agree. There was so much crime @ IUSB last year and it scares me considering I don't get out of my one class until 9:40 & the only time I see a officer they're eating. I had two hit and runs on my car last year & was treated like an idiot for even trying to get help. Something needs to be done SB is going downhill...FAST!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Michiana on Aug 25, 2008 at 07:36 AM
The solution starts at home with parents keeping track of their kids and bringing them up in a proper way. We can have all the police patrolling we can afford and all the laws we can make, but if there isn't any structure in the home, it won't matter!

Posted by: Sue Location: South Bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 07:30 AM
It is so sad to see such good neighborhoods like River Park and Mckinley Terrace turning bad right before your eyes. Neighborhoods that at one time were safe and were a great place to grow up. Now the thugs have taken over and one can no longer feel safe. There are many good residents still living there but many will get tired of having to deal with all the crime, as others are in the rest of South Bend. I have always loved River Park, it was the first place I lived when I moved here in the late seventies. It reminded me so much of the neighborhood I grew up in on the south side of Chicago. I see the same changes that happened there starting here, only at a slower pace. Is it too late to do something about this, Mr Luecke?

Posted by: Me on Aug 25, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Why is South Bend turning so dangerous? And our Mayor suggests we take police off the street to save a buck? Our city needs new leadership if we want to move forward to a safer community!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2008 at 06:36 AM
rick- the shooter probably does not have the gun leagally. and if we banned guns alltogether, then we would have a lot of knife violence. the violent people are the problem, not the weapons they choose.

Posted by: Older Person/student on Aug 25, 2008 at 06:22 AM
After reading about this shooting I am wonderimh why a 14 yearold was out so late without adult supervision--where is the curfew enforcement? I bet each of the brats got free medical care too. The parents of the 14 yearold need to be punished for neglect of a dependent. This child should be placed in protective custody. The 17 yearolds need to be in jail or at JJC. IUSB is no longer the nice quiet campus that it use to be--it's turned into thug /punk campus.

Posted by: terry Location: mish on Aug 25, 2008 at 06:03 AM
Hey Rick, if you think the NRA had anything to do with this. duh duh..... Do you think any of these guns you hear about were bought leagally come on dude. As far as building a wall and throwing guns in to las tman standing, i like knives and hand grenades. Get them in close and take multiple idiots at a time.

Posted by: mike Location: goshen on Aug 25, 2008 at 05:15 AM
what the hell is a 14 year old and a 17 year old doing out at that hour ?

Posted by: Eric Location: IU South Bend Student on Aug 24, 2008 at 10:33 PM
I am franky dispointed this happened to start of IU South Bend's academic year. As a student I worry about my own safety here at this campus. I hope that there could be more police on the streets at this end of town. There was alot of crime last year for this campus. There needs something to be done.

Posted by: rose Location: south bend on Aug 24, 2008 at 10:18 PM
look its not 303, look at some of the other bars here there people out alnight parking on side st, doing durgs u call the cop tell them about all the teen runnung around no one cares i live here river park gangs are up here no one care we try to get walk together and no one care 303 give alote river park

Posted by: ron on Aug 24, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Remember if Obama gets elected no more guns on the street,and no more to protect your home!

Posted by: Greg Location: Elkhart on Aug 24, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Rick,the NRA and it's members and lawfull gun owners DON'T think everyone should be able to have a gun.

Posted