FBI assists East Chicago police in search for human remains

EAST CHICAGO, Ind. (WLS) -- The East Chicago Police Department and FBI are searching the backyard of a house on Gladiola Street in the West Calumet housing complex after receiving a tip that there may be human remains buried there, officials said.

In a press release, Deputy Chief Frank Maldonado said the department received the tip on March 7. They contact the FBI Evidence Recovery Team and Homeland Security/Rescue, who are using their resources, including cadaver dogs, to aid in the search.

Agents did not find anything during their search today, but the investigation is not over.

Maldonado said they began the operation Friday morning and will continue "until we confirm the accuracy of the information." He says at this time the officers are only following up on the tip.