Gary father of 5 fatally shot outside car wash

LONDON (WLS) -- A 43-year-old Gary, Ind., businessman was fatally shot Friday night during an armed robbery outside a car wash in Gary.

His family and friends remembered the father of five children as someone who wanted to be a positive force in the city. On Saturday, they tied balloons to a street sign near the car wash at 15th Avenue and Massachusetts Street where Hood was shot at about 5:40 p.m.

Earlier this month, Hood had opened his third car wash in Gary with a big celebration for the community with food and entertainment.

Family members said they could always count on Hood to be there for them.

"There was no holidays, or birthdays, or anything that he didn't call us or come by or take us out to dinner," said cousin Tina Franks.

When he was not with family, they say his focus was on the community.

Just a few hours before Hood was gunned down, he was plotting his next move.

"He and I spent about three hours together sitting in the barbershop with each other talking about other things we wanted to do to help the community. I thank God for his life, his love and his legacy that will forever will be in the community," said friend Bishop Norman Hairston.

"This young man was trying to be productive in the community, helping children, helping people. We can't lose people like this," Hairston added.

"I would like to say to those persons who did it, 'Would you please turn yourself in?' If anybody out there that knows who did it, please come forward and let us know so we can have peace," said the victim's aunt, Mary Lee.

The car wash had a security camera but it was immediately unclear if it was working. Police have not said if the robbery was targeted or random.