Elkhart police identify, release names in apartment complex shooting

Elkhart Police have released the names of those involved in the shooting that happened in Elkhart Wednesday afternoon, leaving one person with life-threatening injuries.

Elkhart Police were dispatched to Carriage House Apartments in Elkhart around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon for reports of gunfire being heard.

Police say there was a domestic dispute Tuesday evening in the area where another victim, Bridget House, said she was arguing with her boyfriend, 36-year-old Leon Lewis of Elkhart, who was living with her.

Police say the argument turned physical when Leon Lewis battered her by grabbing her hair and striking her in the face causing pain and minor injury.

House told police she then left to go stay with a family member and eventually called police.

On Wednesday afternoon, House returned to her residence where she had family and friends over visiting.

That’s when police say Leon Lewis and relative, Jarius Lewis, showed up at the residence and an altercation between all of the subjects started.

During the fight, Leon Lewis fired a handgun while inside the residence. The fight moved from inside the residence to the outside where several more shots were fired.

Police say Leon Lewis got into the driver seat of a vehicle and Jarius Lewis got into the passenger seat of the vehicle and they started to drive away.

In that time, one of the people involved in the fight fired his handgun at the vehicle, striking the vehicle and Jarius Lewis.

Leon Lewis continued driving taking Jarius Lewis to Elkhart General Hospital where he is now being treated for life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, detectives found evidence and spoke to witnesses.

Leon Lewis was arrested for domestic battery and criminal recklessness with a firearm and will be held in the Elkhart County Correctional Facility without bond. 

Detectives say they have identified a person of interest in the shooting of Jarius Lewis. Police have not released the identity of that person yet.

The case remains under investigation. Anybody with information is asked to contact the Elkhart Police Department at 574-297-7070 or the Tip Line at 574-389-4777.