Police: Man fatally shot in Hammond after fight outside bar

HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) -- A 26-year-old man was killed in a shooting following an argument outside a bar early Sunday, according to Hammond police.

Police were called to the scene of a shooting at Jefferson and Locusts streets at about 3:30 a.m.

Officers found the man, identified to the Lake County (Ind.) Coroner's Office as Donald Neal Jr., with a gunshot wound to the chest. Neal was transported to St. Margaret Health where he died.

Witnesses told police that a young woman was allegedly bumped by a man, described by police as a person of interest in the shooting, while at the Anchor Inn Tavern, 6712 Calumet Avenue, Hammond. Afterward, an argument broke out in the parking lot between the person of interest and Neal.

The person of interest then left the bar in a vehicle and was followed by the victim. Both exited their vehicles at Jefferson and Locust streets and a physical fight broke out. The person of interest then took out a handgun, shot Neal and fled the scene, police said.

Police said the person of interest is a 25-year-old Hammond man who is in police custody.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Rich Tumidalsky at 219 852 2906.