Hammond School Supt. Walter Watkins beaten, robbed in apparent home invasion

HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) -- Hammond School Superintendent Walter Watkins, 67, is hospitalized in critical condition with extensive head injuries after he was found beaten in his own home.

Police said a female friend found him when she stopped by his house in the 6700-block of Indi-Illi Parkway in Hammond with breakfast around 10 a.m. Tuesday. Watkins was conscious, but unable to communicate.

Authorities said he was beaten with a blunt object in an apparent home invasion. Watkins was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was treated for head injuries, including a fractured jaw.

"We believe he had suffered some extensive head injuries as a result of someone hitting him with a hard object," said Lt. Richard Hoyda of the Hammond Police Department. "He may have had a fractured jaw, and also suffered some defense wounds to his arms while possibly trying to defend himself from the suspects."

Investigators said one or more people broke into Watkins' home between Monday night and Tuesday morning, when severe storms caused the power to go out.

Police said the 2013 black Ford Edge loaned to Watkins from the school district was stolen. The vehicle has a blue Indiana municipal license plate with #20680. Officers are taking an inventory of the home to see if anything else was taken.

Watkins has worked for the Hammond school district for 37 years and has been the superintendent for 12 years.

"He is a very kind, gentle man who really cares about children," said Theresa Mayerik of the Hammond school district. "And we just want him back as soon as we can get him back."

Police have not taken anyone into custody.