Police took Cooks into custody Monday after the shooting of Gary Police Sergeant William Fazekas, a 32-year veteran of the force. Police said Cooks has a long criminal history.
Police then conducted a search for a second potential suspect, but after examining witness statements and video, investigators later concluded that only one suspect was involved in the shooting.
Fazekas was in the area of 4th Avenue and Johnson Street at about 12:55 p.m. when police said he saw a car driving recklessly.
Police officer shot in Gary, Indiana
After following the vehicle, Fazekas activated his lights and began exiting the vehicle when police said he was ambushed and struck by gunfire.
Fazekas was struck in the left shoulder and rushed to a hospital. His condition has stabilized and he was transferred to a hospital in Chicago for further treatment, Gary Police Chief Brian Evans said.
The suspect was pursued on foot by another officer and later found in an abandoned home, police said.
One of the officers pursued after the suspect who was on foot. Cooks was later located and arrested in an abandon home nearby.