Gary, Lake County-Detectives from the state police were called to investigate a shooting that occurred on the south bound Grant Street to I-80 east bound ramp yesterday morning.

Preliminary investigation revealed that, at approximately 10:39 am, Thursday, September 13th, a vehicle pulled alongside a 1995 Ford Escort, being driven by Tyron Hopkins, 44 of Gary, on the ramp and fired a weapon. 

The vehicle fled the scene.

Hopkins was taken to North Lake Methodist Hospital in Gary with life threatening injuries.  The Lake County Coroner’s Office advised that Hopkins died of his injuries late yesterday evening.  Family has been notified.

Evidence at the scene was collected and detectives are seeking Rickey Smith, 29 of Gary, Indiana as a person of interest.

Anyone who may have any information on the shooting or Rickey Smith please call Detective Brian Kubiak at 219-696-6242.

This is an on-going investigation and no further information will be released at this time.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.