David Martin Obituary, Death; Man fatally shot by police during SWAT drug raid in Gary.
David Martin Obituary, Death – A narcotics investigation in northwest Indiana ended in a fatal police shooting early Wednesday morning. Authorities reported that the incident took place behind an apartment building located in the 600 block of Adams Street in Gary around 6 a.m.
According to police, the Gary SWAT team was executing a search warrant linked to a drug investigation. The operation was launched after receiving reports that drugs were being sold and distributed from an apartment on the premises.
Local residents, startled by the early morning events, described hearing a loud explosion followed by a rapid series of gunshots. Neighbor Anthony Griffin, who lives next door to the apartment under investigation, recalled the frightening moment. He said he heard a boom, stepped outside, and saw a man lying on the ground. He immediately brought his children back inside and stayed there while the situation unfolded.
Law enforcement officials said that as officers served the search warrant, the individual named in the investigation exited the apartment through the rear. At that point, police said the suspect, later identified as 46-year-old David Martin, drew a firearm and confronted the officers. In response, officers opened fire. Martin was struck multiple times and died from his injuries.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office later confirmed Martin’s identity and stated that he died from multiple gunshot wounds. His death has been officially ruled a homicide.
Police have not provided details about how many officers were involved or the total number of shots fired during the exchange. Authorities emphasized that tips and information from the local community were key in initiating the investigation that led to the warrant.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Department is now in charge of the ongoing investigation. Officials have not released any further information regarding the events leading up to the shooting or whether drugs were recovered from the property.
Residents, including Griffin, expressed shock over the violent encounter, especially given how close it occurred to their homes and families. Griffin said the man who was killed had previously appeared friendly, even waving to neighbors. The neighborhood is now left with lingering questions and a heightened sense of unease following the incident.
No additional details have been made available at this time, and authorities have yet to announce if body camera footage or further statements will be released in the coming days.
