Tue Sep 10 13:37:00 UTC 2024: ## Gary Woman Killed By Stray Bullet In McDonald’s Drive-Thru Shooting
**Gary, IN** – Kia Tidwell, a 42-year-old mother of six, was tragically killed by a stray bullet while driving through a McDonald’s drive-thru on Friday evening. Police are urging witnesses to come forward to help bring justice to her family.
The incident occurred around 8:03 p.m. when Gary police responded to a reported disturbance at the McDonald’s on Grant Street and 5th Avenue. Shots rang out after officers began interviewing the restaurant manager, causing officers and bystanders to take cover. Tidwell’s vehicle, which was passing by, veered off the road and hit a tree. First responders found Tidwell deceased from a gunshot wound.
“This is not just their loss. This is the entire city’s loss. Every single life in this city is precious,” said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton at a Monday news conference with the Tidwell family. Melton pledged to dedicate every available resource to the investigation.
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter called upon individuals with information to come forward, emphasizing the need for community support in bringing justice for Tidwell’s family. He also urged the families of young people involved in criminal activity to step up and intervene.
“Mother, father, grandfather, sister, they know who’s carrying these guns,” said Carter. “They know who’s associating with different types of activity. We have to stop them. We have to correct them.”
The Gary Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Detective Roger Escutia at 219-755-3855, send an email to rescutia@isp.in.gov or call the anonymous tip line 219-207-8477.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help Kia Tidwell’s family rebuild after the tragedy, organized by LaSonnye McNeil.
First Piper 