Two individuals have been charged in connection with a shooting incident in Crown Point, which left three people injured, including a 9-month-old baby. Dajionay Banks, 23, from East Chicago, and Da’Michael Sesson, 19, from Gary, are facing charges of battery by means of a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness.
The incident occurred on October 1st when the victims were outside a residence on Guthrie Street in East Chicago. Shots were fired, causing chaos and fear among the group, which included neighbors and multiple children. One of the victims managed to grab the children and rush them indoors while the shooting was underway.
Tragically, one victim who was holding the 9-month-old baby was shot and fell to the ground. However, the quick actions of the baby’s mother ensured that she could grab her daughter before she hit the ground. The child had sustained a grazed bullet wound. Another victim suffered a leg injury, resulting in a broken bone, while a third victim sustained an arm injury that required surgery.
Local law enforcement responded promptly to the incident after receiving alerts from their Shotspotter technology, a gunfire detection system. Officers discovered four shell casings and two live rounds of ammunition near the scene. Video surveillance footage revealed a dark-colored Volkswagen Jetta with two individuals inside, passing by the area during the shooting. The footage further showed one of the occupants leaning out of the vehicle’s window and pointing a firearm towards the home on Guthrie Street.
Following the discovery of damage on the front of the Volkswagen Jetta, police located the vehicle and subsequently arrested Banks and Sesson. Furthermore, a shell casing was found outside the driver’s side of the windshield, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
Detectives uncovered surveillance footage from nearby businesses, which depicted Banks and Sesson entering a grocery store and the Volkswagen Jetta driving through a nearby street.
The charges filed against Banks and Sesson highlight the seriousness of their alleged actions and the potential consequences they face. Battery by means of a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness are serious offenses that could result in significant penalties upon conviction.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the need to address gun violence. The impact of such incidents is far-reaching and can have lasting effects on victims, their families, and the wider community.
Law enforcement authorities will continue their investigation into the shooting, aiming to gather all necessary evidence to support the charges against the suspects. The judicial process will then take its course, ensuring a fair trial and appropriate legal proceedings.
Efforts to prevent gun violence and promote community safety must remain a priority for both law enforcement agencies and society as a whole. By working together and addressing the root causes of violence, communities can strive for a safer and more secure future for all.
