11242015 - News Article - Chief: Review of conduct leads to Hammond cop's firing



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Chief: Review of conduct leads to Hammond cop's firing
Post-Tribune
November 24, 2015 - 6:19PM

A Hammond police probationary officer who authorities said is a "person of interest" in the shooting death of a Portage woman last week was fired Tuesday after an internal review by the department, according to Hammond Police Chief John Doughty.

Portage police, in a press release this week, identified Kevin A. Campbell, 31, of Hobart, as a "person of interest" in the Nov. 18 shooting death of Tiara T. Thomas, the mother of his children. Campbell has not been identified as a suspect or charged in her death.

"His lack of cooperation in the death of his children's mother is a concern to us," Portage Police Chief Troy Williams said in the press release. "Our detectives are working feverishly to bring a resolution to this case."

Portage police said their investigation into Thomas' death is ongoing and no one has been ruled out yet.

The 30-year-old Thomas died Nov. 18 from gunshot wounds she suffered at her ground floor apartment, authorities said. The Lake County Coroner's office ruled her death a homicide.

Williams said last week that Thomas' fiance arrived home from work and found Thomas in their bedroom, bleeding from the head and chest.

In a Tuesday email, Doughty said that Campbell, a former Gary police officer, was hired Jan. 12 and was on probationary status.

After Portage police contacted Doughty on Nov. 18 about Campbell being a person of interest, "he was put on administrative leave and stripped of police powers," Doughty said in the email.

"During an internal review of recent conduct by Officer Campbell, I have determined he is no longer a suitable candidate for our department. He has been terminated from employment as of today," Doughty said in the email.

Campbell did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The day after Thomas' shooting death, police released a picture of a 2003 black Ford pickup truck with gray trim they said may have been in the Park Place apartment complex, in the 5900 block of Old Porter Road, where Thomas lived, or in the surrounding area.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call Detective Capt. Joe Reynolds and Detective Lt. Dennis Meyers at 219-762-3122.
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11242015 - News Article - Hammond police fire officer ID'd as person of interest in Portage homicide



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Hammond police fire officer ID'd as person of interest in Portage homicide
NWI Times
Nov 24, 2015 


PORTAGE | Hammond's police chief said Tuesday he fired a probationary officer who has been identified by authorities as a person of interest in a Portage homicide.

Police Chief John Doughty said the officer was put on leave and stripped of police powers Nov. 18 — the same day 30-year-old Tiara Thomas was shot multiple times inside her Portage apartment.

Doughty said the officer was placed on leave after Portage police informed Hammond police the man was a person of interest in the homicide investigation.

The man joined Hammond police Jan. 12 and was on probationary status until his termination Tuesday, Doughty said.

"During an internal review of recent conduct by (the officer), I have determined he is no longer a suitable candidate for our department," Doughty said.

Before joining the Hammond Police Department, the man worked for the Gary Police Department, Doughty said.

Doughty and Portage Police Chief Troy Williams have both identified the man, but The Times is not naming him because he has not been formally charged. He is not in custody, Williams said.

Williams said the former officer, a 31-year-old Hobart resident, is a person of interest because of his lack of cooperation with investigators.

"Our detectives are working feverishly to bring a resolution to this case," he said.

Williams said Tuesday there were no additional updates on the investigation.

A Freedom of Information Act request was filed Tuesday with Gary requesting information about the person of interest. The city's legal department has acknowledged the request, but has not yet provided information about the former officer.

Thomas was found covered in blood at about 7:30 a.m. Nov. 18 in her unit at Park Place Apartments, 5970 Old Porter Road. She was taken to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary, where she was pronounced dead at 8:21 a.m. from gunshot wounds.

Police on Thursday released a photo of a black Ford Explorer described as a vehicle of "special interest" in the investigation. Williams said at the time that detectives wanted to know if that vehicle was in the area of the apartment complex before or after the shooting.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call (219) 762-3122 and ask for Detective Capt. Joe Reynolds and Detective Lt. Dennis Meyers.
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11232015 - News Article - Hammond cop a person of interest in Portage homicide, police say



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Hammond cop a person of interest in Portage homicide, police say
NWI Times
Nov 23, 2015 




PORTAGE | A Hammond police officer is a person of interest in the shooting death last week of a woman at Park Place Apartments in Portage, an official said.

Portage Police Chief Troy Williams said Monday the investigation is ongoing and no one has been ruled out.

The Hammond officer, a 31-year-old Hobart man, is being considered a person of interest, Williams said.

"His lack of cooperation in the death ... is of concern to us. Our detectives are working feverishly to bring a resolution to this case," he said.

Hammond police spokesman Lt. Richard Hoyda said late Monday he could not immediately provide information about the person of interest.

The Times is not naming the person because he has not been formally charged. He is not in custody, Williams said.

Tiara Thomas, 30, was found covered in blood about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in her apartment at 5970 Old Porter Road. She was taken to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary, where she was pronounced dead at 8:21 a.m. from gunshot wounds.

Police on Thursday released a photo of a black Ford Explorer described as a vehicle of "special interest" in the investigation. Williams said at the time that detectives wanted to know if that vehicle was in the area of the apartment complex before or after the shooting.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call (219) 762-3122 and ask for Detective Capt. Joe Reynolds and Detective Lt. Dennis Meyers.
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11202015 - News Article - Woman shot to death in Portage home



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Woman shot to death in Portage home
Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
November 20, 2015
www.newsbank.com
A woman died Wednesday morning after she was shot inside her apartment in northwest Indiana.

 Tiara Thomas’ fiancé came home from work and found her bleeding from her head and chest in their bedroom about 7:25 a.m. Wednesday, according to a statement from Portage police.

 Thomas, 31, was shot multiple times at her apartment in the 5900 block of Old Porter Road in Portage, Ind., the Lake County coroner’s office said.

 She was taken to Methodist Hospital Northlake in Gary where she died at 8:21 a.m., according to the coroner’s office. Her death was ruled a homicide.

 Police are looking for a 2003 black Ford Explorer that may have been in the area when the shooting occurred. They ask that anyone with information call detectives at (219) 762-3122 or (219) 764-5704.

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11192015 - News Article - Police following leads in Portage woman's death



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Police following leads in Portage woman's death
Post-Tribune
November 19, 2015 - 5:28PM
Portage police are continuing with leads and interviews in their investigation of the shooting death of Tiara T. Thomas, and on Thursday released a picture of a pickup truck they said is of special interest in the case.

The 2003 black Ford Explorer with gray trim may have been in the Park Place apartment complex, in the 5900 block of Old Porter Road, where Thomas lived, or in the surrounding area, said Troy Williams, Portage police chief.

Thomas, 30, died at 8:21 a.m. Wednesday at Methodist Hospital Northlake Campus in Gary of gunshot wounds, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Williams said Thomas' fiancé arrived home from work and found Thomas bleeding from the head and chest in their bedroom and called police around 7:28 a.m. Police said the homicide occurred before 7:25 a.m.

Thomas was transported to Methodist where she later died.

A neighbor Wednesday described Thomas as quiet and said she had children. He said that lately there were a lot of people coming and going from the apartment but police were never called and he wasn't aware of any trouble.

"This is an isolated incident and we do not feel there is any need to panic or be fearful," Williams said.

Anyone who saw a suspicious person around or entering the apartment through the front or back door or a suspicious vehicle in the area before or during this time to contact the department's detective bureau, Williams said.

Callers may remain anonymous, and call 219-762-3122 or 219-764-5704 with any information.

"No detail is insignificant," Williams said.

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11192015 - News Article - UPDATE: Portage police seek public's help investigating shooting death



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UPDATE: Portage police seek public's help investigating shooting death
NWI Times
November 19, 2015 





PORTAGE | Police here are asking the public for help as they investigate the shooting death of the a woman in her apartment at the Park Place Apartments.

Tiara Thomas, 30, was shot in her apartment at 5970 Old Porter Road, Wednesday morning. Portage police were called at 7:28 a.m. to the woman's apartment for a report of a woman covered in blood. She was pronounced dead at 8:21 a.m. at the Methodist Hospitals Northlake campus in Gary.

Portage police on Thursday released a flier asking if anyone saw a suspicious person entering the woman's apartment before 7:28 a.m. to call the department's detective bureau.

Police also released a photo of a 2003 black Ford Explorer saying the vehicle pictured is of special interest and may have been in the apartment complex or surrounding area.

Police Chief Troy Williams said detectives want to know if that truck was in the area of the apartment complex before or after the shooting. Williams said the photo was taken at the home of a person of interest.

He said Thursday morning officers were out canvassing the area around Park Place Apartments where Thomas was killed.

Williams said no arrest arrest has been made, but officers are following up on several leads.

He said anyone with information should call (219) 762-3122 or (219) 764-5704. Callers can remain anonymous and no detail is insignificant, police said.

Williams said Thursday he still believes the shooting death is an isolated incident and residents should not be concerned about their safety.

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11182015 - News Article - Portage woman found with gunshot wounds dies



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Portage woman found with gunshot wounds dies
Post-Tribune
November 18, 2015 - 3:23PM


Tiara T. Thomas, 30, of the 5900 block of Old Porter Road, died at 8:21 a.m. at Methodist Hospital Northlake Campus in Gary of gunshot wounds, according to a news release.

Portage police are investigating the Wednesday morning shooting death of a woman who lived in the Park Place apartments.

Tiara T. Thomas, 30, of the 5900 block of Old Porter Road, died at 8:21 a.m. at Methodist Hospital Northlake Campus in Gary of gunshot wounds, according to a news release from the Lake County Coroner's Office. Her death has been declared a homicide.

"It's an isolated incident," said Portage Police Chief Troy Williams, adding officers began canvassing the area and developed several leads they are pursuing. He added the general public should not be worried.

Williams said Thomas' fiancé, who is not being named, arrived home from work and found Thomas bleeding from the head and chest in their bedroom and called police around 7:28 a.m.

Thomas was transported to Methodist where she later died.

On Wednesday afternoon, Portage police remained in the hallway in front of Thomas' ground floor apartment. They declined to comment on the shooting.

Danny Allen, who lives in the Park Place apartment across from Thomas', said he was awakened about 8 a.m. by police pounding on his door. "The cops asked if I heard anything and there was a guy crying. He was having a fit."

Allen told police he didn't hear gunshots or any other commotion.

He said Thomas had lived in the complex for about 1 1/2 years.

He described Thomas a quiet neighbor with children.

"She got the kids out at 7:30 a.m. and she was usually in and out at night."

He said one of Thomas's children attended Willowcreek Middle School in Portage.

Lately, however, Allen said there were a lot of people coming and going from the apartment. He said police were never called and he wasn't aware of any trouble.

"I didn't know her well. I just saw her as she came and went," Allen said. "She was quiet."

Williams expected to release more information about the case Thursday.
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11182015 - News Article - UPDATE: Woman shot to death in Portage



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UPDATE: Woman shot to death in Portage
NWI Times
November 18, 2015







PORTAGE | A 30-year-old Portage woman died Wednesday after being shot in her apartment, officials said.

Tiara Thomas, of 5970 Old Porter Road, was pronounced dead at 8:21 a.m. at The Methodist Hospitals' Northlake campus in Gary, Lake County Coroner Merrilee Frey said.

The cause of death was listed as gunshot wounds suffered in a homicide.

Portage police were called at 7:28 a.m. to the woman's apartment for a report of a woman covered in blood.

Police spoke to Thomas' fiance who said when he arrived home from work he found Thomas in their bedroom bleeding from her head and chest.

According to a Portage police Chief Troy Williams, she was taken to The Methodist Hospitals' Northlake campus in Gary where she later died.

He said police canvassed the area and developed several leads, which were being followed.

Williams said this appears to be an isolated incident and residents should not be concerned about their safety.

One of Thomas' neighbors, Danny Allen, said he didn't hear a gunshot, but woke up when Portage police arrived. He said he could hear a man crying.

He said he didn't know Thomas well, but spoke to her briefly when they would come and go from their apartments.

He said he did notice a lot of visitors at her apartment.

“She had people running in and out of her house all the time,” Allen said.

Otherwise, he said the apartment complex is quiet.

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11032015 - News Article - Snyder tops Clancy in Portage



Snyder tops Clancy in Portage
Post Tribune
November 03, 2015 - 10:40 PM


Portage voters handed Republican Mayor James Snyder a second term Tuesday with a narrow win over Democrat Brendan Clancy.

In unofficial totals, Snyder won by 225 votes garnering 51 percent of the 7,135 votes cast. He'll again work with a Democratic city council as John Cannon was the lone GOP winner. Democrats took six seats with wins for incumbents Sue Lynch, Mark Oprisko, Patrick Clem, Elizabeth Modesto and newcomers Scott Williams and Collin Czilli.

Snyder secured a second term as head of Porter County's largest city with a hard-fought campaign against Clancy, the Portage Township trustee and a former city councilman. Both men claimed strong labor support.

"We're really excited. It's a great feeling to get the stamp of approval," said Snyder. "We worked very hard and we knocked on a lot of doors."

Snyder campaigned on his accomplishments, including the creation of a downtown identity for the city's Central Avenue corridor that will include new $8.25 million police and fire stations.

Snyder boasted that he orchestrated the projects with bipartisan support from Democrats on the City Council.

Snyder also championed a local developer's plan for a $50 million Promenade at Founders Square, a combination of 300 upscale apartments, and retail and commercial businesses on ground floors.

A new $5.7 million street department building is under way and garbage and recycling were automated at a cost of $1.4 million. About $3.5 million in improvements were completed in the parks department.

Snyder said he also brought economic progress to the city, too, with the new Meijer store on U.S. 6 providing about 300 new jobs and a Monosol expansion with about 150 jobs.

In the past year, Snyder said he has paved 36 miles of roads in the city, which he said was more than the previous 10 years combined.

Under Snyder, Portage issued five bonds totaling $22.42 million.

Clancy, the owner of a pub in the Portage Mall, criticized Snyder for escalating the city's debt with all the bonding. He said Portage had one of the top debt levels in the state during last month's debate.

Clancy said the debt could make it difficult for the city to attract new business or industry.

Snyder stumbled along the way. He missed a deadline to file his 2013 campaign finance report, and the Porter County Democratic Party filed an election law complaint against him. He has since hired a new campaign treasurer.

The FBI is investigating various city contracts and has sought Snyder's 2011 campaign finance records. Snyder has said the FBI was investigating other municipalities in Porter County, as well.

"We've risen above it and Portage is better for it," he said during the mayoral debate.

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11032015 - News Article - Snyder wins re-election as Portage mayor



Snyder wins re-election as Portage mayor
NWI Times
Joyce Russell
Nov 03, 2015
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/snyder-wins-re-election-as-portage-mayor/article_6c71ebe3-d3a8-5773-8f06-18deba00f109.html







PORTAGE | Incumbent Republican Mayor James Snyder entered the hall at Woodland Park late Tuesday night to the tune of "We Are the Champions."

Snyder, who appeared only after all the votes were counted and he was declared the winner, shouted "Four more years" as he took to the podium with his wife and children.

In a tight race Tuesday marred by some early difficulties at polling places, Snyder defeated Democrat Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy by 225 votes.

Because of the difficulties, polling places remained open an hour later. Votes cast between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. were considered provisional ballots, but it is not likely enough were cast to make a difference in the outcome of the election.

"I can't begin to tell you the feeling of four more years in this great city," Snyder told the crowd of supporters who chanted back at him, "Four more years."

"This city and this campaign were synonymous. We worked hard and the people in this city work hard," he said. "I look forward to four more years with the best department heads this city could have.

"I look forward to four more years with the best workforce this city or mayor could have. I look forward to four more years with the best people this mayor could serve," Snyder said.

Snyder told the crowd that his win proved that "negative campaigning and divisiveness" doesn't work.

"Party politics doesn't work," he said.

"Thank you and I look forward to God blessing this city for four more years," Snyder told his supporters.

Clancy, a former city councilman and second term Portage Township Trustee, said he believed the two fought a good campaign.

"We raised a lot of good, valid points. I believe there will be a closer eye on the city's purse strings and on the Redevelopment Commission," Clancy said after the votes were tallied.

"I want to give kudos to the mayor for running a good campaign. I look forward to working together to move the city of Portage and Portage Township forward," Clancy said.

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08132023 - News Article - Former Portage Mayor James Snyder asks US Supreme Court to consider his case

  Former Portage Mayor James Snyder asks US Supreme Court to consider his case Chicago Tribune  Aug 13, 2023 https://www.chicagotribune.com/...