Man charged with murder after hitting, killing NW Indiana businessman: police

GRIFFITH, Ind. (WLS) -- A Gary man has been charged with murder after crashing an SUV into a northwest Indiana business owner, Griffith police said Wednesday.

Atrailu Moore has been charged in the incident, police said.

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Griffith police responded just after 11:20 a.m. Monday to a parking lot near the 1100-block of East Ridge Road for a reported fatal crash involving a pedestrian.

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Police said Moore was seen following local business owner Tony Pendleton through a parking lot, engaging him briefly and hitting him with a red Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Moore remained on the scene, and was taken into custody.

Pendleton is known by many in the area as a kind-hearted man, who often helped the neighboring business owners.

His family and neighboring business owners were too shaken to comment, as they said Pendleton was always a special man to be around.

Pendleton's daughter, Danielle, did say in a written statement, "A great man of God was taken from his family. All he wanted was to be happy, be peaceful and to continue to create a legacy for us. Most Amazing Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend. My Daddy was one of a kind. He always gave the best advice. He taught me how to see the good in a bad situation. I am still in disbelief."

Moore is currently being held in Lake County Jail.

Anyone with information on the fatal crash is asked to call Detective Jason Gary at 219-924-7503, extension 252. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call 219-922-3085.