Ninth shooting in South Bend in nine days

Save

South Bend, IN
Posted: 11:12 PM Nov 3, 2008
Last Updated: 1:31 PM Nov 4, 2008

78 comments

A | A | A

There seems to be no end to the violence in South Bend.

Police are still searching for a suspect in last night's shooting.

It happened around 10:45 p.m. at the Anchor Inn, located in the 22-hundred block of Western Avenue on the west side of the city.

Police say a man was trying to break into cars near the bar. A bartender saw the suspect on a security camera and a group of people rushed out to stop him.

The suspect opened fire, shooting the bartender in the leg.

The victim was taken to the hospital and remains in stable condition.

Witnesses say the increasing violence on the west side of the city is enough to make them stay away for good.

Police say the suspect was a tall, black man with dreadlocks.

This shooting is the ninth one in South Bend in the last nine days. There have also been two stabbings in that time.

Part of Cleveland Avenue closed in St. Joe

Man hospitalized after motorcycle accident

80-year-old Niles man shot, robbed at home; suspects arrested

Golfer Chris Smith and family still in shock over weekend accident

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Bill's Second Cousin Location: So.Bend Indiana on Nov 16, 2008 at 07:32 AM
I visited Bill last night. I about cried when i saw him in the hospital. he was wearing a cast over his foot and he had stitches in his upper leg. it was SO sad...

Posted by: Alex Location: south bend on Nov 14, 2008 at 11:24 PM
good luck bill, i hope to be at one of your shows soon.

Posted by: Eastside Joe Location: South Bend on Nov 7, 2008 at 09:53 PM
The shooting victim has no understanding of self defense. Stupid to confront someone who is committing a crime. Call the police first--did he mentioned to the perp that he was on a survelliance and police were on the way? No. A good ole Mosberg pump shootgun should have pointed at the perp, ah?

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 7, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Hey N, stay away from the west side. Stay off of Olive, off Western, Sample, Walnut, etc, and you'll be just fine. I'll make you a map myself, what's your addy?

Posted by: N on Nov 6, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Hey, WNDU, could you guys post a map that shows, starting with the sunday of 5 shootings, where all of these shootings have taken place? Instead of posting a map with the most current one? That way we can see where exactly everything is happening, and if it is in one general location, that way we can all stay far far away from that area.

Posted by: m4 on Nov 6, 2008 at 04:26 AM
i blame liberal democrats for each and every problem that we have. you guys sure know how to ruin everything.

Posted by: kathy Location: south bend on Nov 5, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Someone wrote in the voice of the people that these shooters and for that matter the people that are being shot have nothing to do but walk the streets because they have no jobs, no hope in their future. I say parents, if you're going to have children raise them, guide them, teach them respect and values. If you can't do that than don't have children. Quit expecting the cities, schools, churches, day care centers and siblings to do your job. Maybe the government ought to bring the military draft back into this country. It certainly wouldn't do any harm. It would get a lot of these thugs off the streets, give them learning and a better outlook than what they have now.

Posted by: Joe Location: South Bend on Nov 5, 2008 at 05:25 AM
Steve I will find a good job for you. This is not good for you. You are making bigger and bigger hole in south Bend and what happrned you will finally end up in the hole.

Posted by: Mintyfresh Location: Mishawaka on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Shady for VP!!

Posted by: BeckySioux Location: South Bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:44 PM
David you sound just like your father! I'm sure he'll be back drumming in no time!! Be well!

Posted by: Shady Location: Lapaz, IN on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Bill Finn for President!

Posted by: j on Nov 4, 2008 at 05:31 PM
its South Bend ppl what else can I say

Posted by: jason Location: osceola on Nov 4, 2008 at 04:58 PM
here is a idea actually put law breakers in jail.If you need more jail space add on,then bring back the chain gangs .i.e. pick up trash,paint graffiti etc. also i would love to see the mayor walk the streets alone at night if he is so proud of his city.(fat chance)

Posted by: Marks on Nov 4, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Most of us live in safe areas, so, we don't care. We dismiss ourselves from being too involved and engaged with rationalizations and bromides like, "it's the lack of economic opportunities..." and stuff like that. It excuses us from feeling guilty about being indifferent and it makes us feel good about ourselves to blame society's troubled people on our own raysism. This kind of reasoning is a defect of the bourgeois. It's sole simple purpose is to let it flit through the mind so that we can get on with our own wonderful lives (making damn sure our own kids get into college so they don't end up living with darkies). And we avoid doing any real work by blaming the authorities; who can only follow the laws; laws that can only be changed by the citizens. We don't deserve America.

Posted by: Bea Location: South Bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Now wait a minute... I was there and it was my first reaction to run out as well and stop the vandal. I worked hard for my car, insurance or not and I had no intention of just sit there watching someone vandalize my car on camera! The bartender just got out there quicker than my husband and the rest of us. But Who would have thought that the thug would be toting around a gun and shoot at people? It is outrageous and frightening. He might have been waiting to try to rob someone at gun point. Obviously his intention was violence.

Posted by: sbwelsh Location: South Bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Wake up the mayor, please. He's dreaming again.

Posted by: david finn Location: muncie/mishawaka on Nov 4, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Dear Anon at 1:57, how about you grow some and stop posting anonymous like a 10 year old on a teen blog site. I'm dam. sure that if it was YOUR car getting vandalized you'd appreciate someone doing a good thing and trying to stop the POS that shot MY FATHER. I guess going out to stop someone thats breaking into cars you have to automatically think they have a weapon now. I would greatly appreciate you giving me an e-mail if you really want to say something, but I wont be checking it periodically for you since I can already tell you're just another pu##, that wants to run his mouth and hide.

Posted by: Jim Location: USA on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Where do you think he is going to make the threats of cuts against? He knows if he uses the police and elderly programs as his pawns he will eventually get what he wants in higher taxes. Nothing different than any town or local govermnet from her to California. Scare the people into paying more. Yes he has done some good things for South Bend, but there ha sto be an answer to this foolishness of people not respecting other peoples lives and well being. I wish I had an answer for him and us as citizens to make it go away, but I don't. Not until people show respect for themselves and others and not being "cool" because you killed or shot someone. Maybe bring back public hangings? The kind of the old west, when your found guilty today, you hang at sunrise tomorrow. What do you think of that?

Posted by: Lawful Larry on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Issue the order that force will be used in all situations concerning break ins/robberies. No tolerance rule, expect to be shot if caught doing it. Next subject.........

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:33 PM
And you THINK I'm going anywhere NEAR South Bend or Mishawaka to Christmas shop with all the violence going on there now? Never in a million years.

Posted by: steve Location: lagrange on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I can't believe you people keep electing that knucklehead you call a mayor. You need someone who is proactive not reactive...

Posted by: Resident Location: Madison St. on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:08 PM
South Bend goes through its violent crime sprees once every 7 years. 2001 was high in violent crimes as well. Law Enforcement can only do so much people. Just be careful when you go Christmas shopping at the mall and your out in the parking lot alone? Be Safe.

Posted by: Linda Location: Granger on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Until the punishment gets a whole lot tougher nothing will change. Just like the guy who hit the police officer and then ran over him. That guy was arrested numerous times and always got out. That's the problem with our country. It's easy to get away with things here that other countries wouldn't tolerate for a minute. You'd just be hung or shot immediately.

Posted by: anon Location: south bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:57 PM
If you are on in the inside looking at a camera why would you go outside to protect a car that i'm sure has insurance on it or should. Why would you not call the police? I don't call this being a hero i call it being stupid.

Posted by: MJ Location: South Bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Man, the similarities between Gary and South Bend grow in number by the day. Glad I'm outa here by nightfall every day. What a hole South Bend has become.

Posted by: citizen Location: S.Bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:13 PM
This is where the word "hero" comes in. The bartender tried to protect the patrons from another useless individual. Hopefully, this scum will get caught before he goes out for more and does a repeat. To Jim(10:24); yes, the mayor needs to do something and if he chooses not then he NEEDS to do the right thing and step down from his position and let someone who really does care about our city step in. He would be more of a human and a man if he does this. He has done nothing but brag about the improvements(?) he is doing for the city, the new construction all over. He forgets he also tells the citizens how he has to cut from the police, fire, children and elderly programs, parks, because of the lack of money.??? Crime is going continue and just get worse because the scum knows that they can get away with it, these are not kids, they are 17-20 and 30 yr. olds.People, we really need to clean house-the school board,local and state gov't.Hoosier state? What ever happened to that???

Posted by: ron Location: sb on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Impeach the mayor, he done nothing in the last 8 yr

Posted by: Not Suprised Location: Gang Land on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Surprised Why??? It's South Bend or should I say Little Detroit since Gary is not even this bad.

Posted by: EEWW Location: Granger on Nov 4, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Too many people blame the police department. They can only do what they can do. They are trying, I just don't think all the resources are there.

Posted by: To Julie on Nov 4, 2008 at 12:04 PM
South Bend is not Chicago, more like a Gary Indiana, but wait, they have a lower crime rate and better school system then South Bend. unfair to pick on Chicago as you must not have been their lately or don't like larger cities which tend to have significantly LOWER crime rates than South Bend. The problem in South Bend is that we have too many poor people leaching off society on the west side. Reaccess and make it so expensive for them to live in the house that they have to move. Cut off their welfare, and they won't be around either.

Posted by: Alan Location: Elkhart on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Until the black community steps up to a non-sociopath existence you can keep on expecting this ghetto mentallity. Where are the black community leaders at? Why are they not speaking up? Before you call me racist... I am a white guy with a 25 year old mixed daughter who went to and graduated college. I'm the white guy who showed up to be a dad cause "the brother" sure didn't show up. Never has... never will.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Call in the National Guard.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Clay High School on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:35 AM
i cant wait until I go away for college!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jaun on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Yeah, that's right,there are plenty of places in South bend that are still safe: Take Granger, Mishawaka, Osceola. Oops, nevermind, there really isn't anyplace safe in South Bend. Thank you City Government for the fine job you've done shaping this 21st Century City. In another decade it will be awash with thugs looting the burned out downtown. Mr. Mayor will still get elected, though, because that's evidently his contituency.

Posted by: Kendrick Location: Mishawaka on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Anchor Inn is a great place. Never no trouble inside. Good people and great food.

Posted by: Tommy Versetti Location: Liberty City on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Its Like Grand Theft Auto Out Here!!! Everyman for himself.

Posted by: BARRY Location: MI on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:59 AM
let us all get ccws and take care of this so the police can concentrate on real problems

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Well those people are at it again. Treat them like the animals we know they are. Call me a racist, call me a hater--I don't care anymore.

Posted by: Sandy Location: Mishawaka on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Although the guy who shot him wouldn't care, the guy he shot is my brother and he would do anything for anybody, including the coward who shot him as he was fleeing. I hope the shooter gets justice and Bill is okay. South Bend might want to step up their game and be known for more that the shooting capital of Michiana. The people getting shot are good honest people who vote for those who cannot seem to provide protection.

Posted by: Jim Location: USA on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:24 AM
So what do you want the Mayor to do? Anything he does will either be profiling or stepping on someones civil rights. He can't win. Not that I know the guy at all, or I'm sticking up for him, I just want to know what you think he can do? My solution is all guns have to be made 44 magnum or larger, anything smaller and we have to deal with the scum again sooner or later because someone has to retalliate. Everyone has to carry a gun and know how to use it, and make it a felony if they don't. Self defends these days is walking down the street and shooting a scum bag before they get you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Put up a fence around the west side with razor wire and guard towers. Problem solved.

Posted by: D on Nov 4, 2008 at 09:33 AM
He's a good Man and did the right thing. I know in my heart he'd to it again in a second if givin the chance. Stay Strong Man.

Posted by: Captain Dan Location: West side on Nov 4, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I feel sorry for the police. How many of these perps are on the street because of lenient courts. The human debris that ran down the Roseland Officer had a criminal background that should have kept him on ice for sometime. Cops gotta get back to tuning up some folks.

Posted by: Vince Location: Green on Nov 4, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Too bad the bartender didn't have a gun. He could have notched his belt in self-defense.

Posted by: Harry Location: South Bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 09:08 AM
N: Does that stand for 'numbskull'? These people aren't committing crimes because of news reports. They commit them because they are lazy and ignorant.

Posted by: ExBender Location: Chicago on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:54 AM
As a former Bender living in Chicago, don't insult our city, Julie. We admittedly have terrible crime problems in isolated areas, but not the whole city like South Bend! I can walk around 24/7 in my neighborhood and feel a heck of a lot safer than driving around just about anywhere in my home town. And we have 3 million people. What's South Bend down to? Less than 100,000? Odd of getting shot are pretty good...well done!

Posted by: News on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Shootings are at high levels around the country. This is not just a South Bend issue. Our local media choses to paint a picture of the city imploding on itself. How about highlighting the positive things (ex. Nanotechnology park, new hospital, cancer research institute) so that people can rally behind them as a team and help move forward? Once we get past this economic downturn, South Bend will be positioned far better than the majority of communities this size around the country.

Posted by: Oh, Okay, N @ 8:04AM on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:48 AM
So if everyone stops reporting this, it will all go away? So, tell me, how is life on your planet?

Posted by: Mike Location: Mishawaka on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:27 AM
The people voted for Luecke and they are getting what they deserve. Today the people will vote for Obama and they will get what they deserve: the whole US will turn into what South Bend has become.

Posted by: Bea Location: South Bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:26 AM
I was there last night when it happened. My husband was one of the men running out to help the bartender when the vandal turned and shot (several times). I have never been so close to loosing all I hold dear as I was in those few moments. The bartender's first instinct was to protect the patron's property since cars have been getting broken into. No one's life is worth a broken car window or a stolen radio. I sure hope he pulls thru this.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: SB on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:05 AM
South Bend is safe, when the police get the suspect. I am happy the bartender is ok, If you see a person break into cars CALL THE POLICE and do not go outside to confront this person. This is NOT gang shootings. Police at (574) 235-9263 or Crime Stoppers at (574) 235-STOP.

Posted by: N on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Stop reporting on this. Seriously. People keep getting shot cause people know they'll get on the news.

Posted by: John T. Location: South Bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:01 AM
I hope the people of South Bend take note and remember when we vote fo the next Mayor of SOuth Bend that he rather take money and us it for the Hall of Shame and the Cove's future parking lot. Say what you want. If the money id in the budget let's use it for our police and fire. These men and women don't get paid near enough for what they do. In my book it's a pretty easy to see what needs to be done. But the Mayor sits in his Ivory tower looking down at us. He's been in office to long, he has lost touch with the people he is suppose to be serving. I think some people forget he works for us and we let him tell us what's good for us? Like the common concil don't care and I would bet that a few of them are on his payroll to vote which ever way he does. 1) taxes on the Hall of Shame tax, 2) Wheel tax, 3) it will be the Cove Tax it never ends with them.

Posted by: No worries! on Nov 4, 2008 at 07:53 AM
The city is safe. Luecke said so.....

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 07:51 AM
parts of south bend are safe.

Posted by: Chad on Nov 4, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Hey Steve what is the Score on the crime rate in your city now?

Posted by: Again Location: St. Joseph Co. on Nov 4, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Again another shooting. South Bend isn't safe. Can you walk down any major street at night? Why doesn't the media confront the mayor about the job he is doing?

Posted by: hooliganx Location: SBI on Nov 4, 2008 at 07:10 AM
The guy that got shot is a close friend of mine. He's a good friend to everyone in the local underground music community. I'm glad he's going to be ok. Check out his band the urinal mints on myspace, he's the drummer.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 06:50 AM
I don't even go into South Bend anymore, it's a shame for all the good people who live there, they have to live around others who hold very little regard for human life. They've made South Bend a "no go" area. I used to shop there but now I stay closer to home. It's a shame when you have to avoid an area because of personal safety, I don't blame people and business's for wanting to move out of the area. I wouldn't live there even if they gave me a free house. I feel for the decent people of South Bend.

Posted by: m4 on Nov 4, 2008 at 05:59 AM
i know this wont be posted. but you people have to be INSANE to vote for a black socialist marxist muslim that hates america and hates whites. you think that violent crime is bad now? wait till obama is president. black people think that this is payback time. GET ARMED AND ORGANIZED. GET READY TO MAKE A STAND AND FIGHT FOR AMERICA. DONT LET THEM DESTROY THIS COUNTRY AND THROW AWAY EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED. the 2 and a half months untill the next president is sworn in is there for us to get ready to fight a revolution if we have to. and we might have to.

Posted by: Julie on Nov 4, 2008 at 05:28 AM
South Bend = the new Chicago.

Posted by: Carol Location: South Bend on Nov 4, 2008 at 05:18 AM
Just another example of the mentality of the low life around here!!! I am so sick of this rash of unnecessary shooting and killing in this city. This poor man, hard at work, and doing double duty in defending his customers property, shot by another scum bag probably in need of his next fix. I pray to God that they find this guy through tips to the police and he's put away for as long as the law allows.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 04:23 AM
The victim is a good guy and was doing absolutely wrong. What a nightmare!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 03:27 AM
it has to stop its not police doing shooting.its the kids. you got beat the shi? out kids i dont give da,, how old minds are thy going do what fuc, i tell them to do

Posted by: Me Location: Mishawaka on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:55 AM
Still think the city is a clean safe city to live mayor Bozo??!!

Posted by: Margaret Location: Wyatt on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:29 AM
South Bend's elected officials seem to be more interested in spending our tax dollars on supporting the Football Hall of Fame and planting flowers to view on the way to work. The citizens of South Bend are planting flowers on the graves of loved ones that were innocent victims. I'm so glad our elected officials have their priorities in order.

Posted by: david Location: Bremen on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:14 AM
I was at the bar when this occurred. I was outside when he was shot. What is this city coming to? Gary used to be known for the most and worst crimes and now it is south bend. Instead of cutting back on the emergency services budget, why don't the Mayor and the Prosecutor take a pay cut and we might be able to afford their services. Also the Prosecutor need to start being more harsh on the gun crimes instead of putting them on work release. The Mayor and the Prosecutor need to start doing their jobs. We need a Mayor that will Do his JOB. A Mayor that will take the initiative.

Posted by: don'tworryaboutit Location: mishawaka on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:13 AM
you shouldn't have to worry about going out of your house and having to carry a gun, especially when you are going to work, even if it is in a slimy hole that that side of south bend is

Posted by: richard wright Location: nappanee on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:48 AM
good luck with your recovery Bill.

Posted by: Glad I do not live in DA BEND Location: Shenandoah on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:30 AM
That describes half of DA WES SIDE!!!!!! Welcome to the Jungle, and you'll get shot!!!!!!

Posted by: m4 on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:24 AM
i hope all of you armed yourselves and got organized. these are the animals we will be fighting.

Posted by: Brittany Location: Lakeville, IN on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:19 AM
My sister and her husband run a poker league and happened to be playing at the Anchor when this happened. My sister came home in tears because she was so upset about what had happened. I really hope the police are able to find who ever are out there shooting innocent people. It's rediculous. We shouldn't have to watch our backs everytime we go out. What is this world coming to?

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:15 AM
You shouldn't go outside in South Bend without a gun!

Posted by: anon on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:07 AM
glad i moved out of the South Bend area...things are just not safe anymore.

Posted by: eh Location: mi on Nov 4, 2008 at 12:56 AM
another shooting in south bend. near olive and western at a bar. go figure!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Jesus Christ, I know this man (the victim). You'd never think you'd actually know anyone involved. This is scary stuff. I'm buying a damn gun.

Posted by: s.e.s. killa Location: w.s. on Nov 3, 2008 at 11:58 PM
damn anotha shootin,,,,i cant believe it...somethin has too be done this is out of control!! :-(

Posted by: chris Location: south bend on Nov 3, 2008 at 11:18 PM
this is becoming so popular anymore does it even quilify as being news