NIPSCO resumes power restoration efforts after worker's vehicle hit by gunfire in Gary, Indiana

The City of Gary says it's increasing security for NIPSCO crews after a utility vehicle was hit by gunfire early Saturday morning.

The shooting happened around 12:20 a.m. in the 200 block of Rutledge Street.

Gary police said two NIPSCO employees were scouting around when someone fired on their vehicle, hitting their Jeep twice, with one bullet lodged in the back of a headrest. 

Investigators say that the company vehicle was followed by an off-duty officer from an outside agency, but neither the employees nor the officer saw the gunman. No injuries were reported.

As a result of the incident, the city says it's coordinating with Gary police, Indiana State Police, and state officials to ensure crews are protected during the restoration process. The city added that ISP is sending additional troopers to assist local forces.

"We have an organized effort. We are actually meeting right now. We have a crew that is meeting with other people, but I don't want to give out the logistics of how those things go," said Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon.

"Let's be clear: this type of violence is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the City of Gary," Mayor Eddie Melton said.

The mayor added that the city has had low-record crime rates so far this year and aims to keep it that way.

NIPSCO initially said that they paused work due to the incident, but a communications manager for the company told CBS News Chicago that work did resume around 4 p.m. Saturday.

A spokesperson for USW Local 12775, which represents NIPSCO workers, said in a statement in part, "... We have been in discussions with the company to ensure our members who are working to restore utility services to our communities can do their jobs safely. This includes engaging resources in law enforcement to augment security for members who are working in high risk areas. We are also ensuring that the physical and mental health of the membership is a priority through access to all resources available."

Gary residents frustrated over possible delay in power restoration

Meanwhile, residents in Gary say they feel like they're facing the consequences for someone else's bad actions.

"I heard something like a big explosion boom! Then I heard two more boom boom," said Kenneth Lewis.

Whether they heard it in person or saw the video online, residents in Gary are frustrated by the shooting that may have delayed their power restoration.

"They aren't pausing when they take our money. We're the first to get cut off when anything happens, NIPSCO," Lewis said.

"It's hurting us because of the situation, so we have to suffer until they can actually get out here and do something," said Andre Adams.

NIPSCO had previously committed to a timeline that would bring 90% of customers back online by Tuesday, with 100% restoration by Friday.

Mayor Melton posted a video denying that restoration efforts were ever paused.

"I don't want residents to think because of this one isolated incident that the work is stopped," said Mayor Melton.

As crews continue work, Mayor Melton asked for the community to rally behind the NIPSCO crews and to allow the workers to help get the city's power fully restored.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Gary police.

Classes canceled amid power outages

In an email to families, Gary Community School Corporation says classes will not be in session on Monday and Tuesday due to the power outages and storm damage. 

The email directs families to the YWCA of Northwest Indiana.

Full statement from NIPSCO

"NIPSCO is aware of a serious incident overnight in Gary involving our crews supporting our ongoing storm restoration efforts. We are working closely with law enforcement and gathering additional information. 

The safety of our employees, contractors and the communities we serve remains our highest priority. We are grateful that no injuries have been reported. 

In response to this incident, storm restoration activities involving crews have been temporarily paused in the city of Gary while we work with law enforcement and evaluate appropriate security measures to ensure the safety of our responders. We thank our employees, contractors, mutual assistance crews and law enforcement partners for their continued dedication and support during this historic restoration effort. 

Restoration work continues across northern Indiana, and we will provide additional information as it becomes available. We appreciate the patience and understanding of Gary residents as we take steps to ensure restoration efforts can continue safely."