Lake County officer shot, fatally wounds suspect

GARY, Ind. (AP) - A Lake County police officer serving legal papers was shot Thursday by a man upon entering a home and returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect, authorities said.

The man fled from the home and collapsed across the street, The (Northwest Indiana) Times reported. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Indiana State Police said.

The officer was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

The officer, a 59-year-old lieutenant with 30 years on the department, was serving papers for a court-ordered seizure of property, authorities said.

When the officer knocked at the door, there was no answer, they said.

'œThe officer was in full uniform, did knock and announce, and continued to announce when he made entry into the residence,'ť Sheriff Oscar Martinez said.

As the officer was executing the court order, the suspect shot and wounded him, Martinez said.

The officer returned fire, striking the suspect at least once, police said.

The officer was conscious when the ambulance arrived, Martinez said.

'œOur thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,'ť he said. 'œWe extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Indiana State Police took over the investigation into the shooting.