Michigan City among cities to celebrate ‘National Night Out’ after deadly shooting

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- Tuesday August 5, communities across the country will come together for ‘National Night Out’, a grassroots campaign promoting police-community partnerships and peace.

In Michigan City, officials say that message feels especially urgent after a deadly weekend shooting outside a popular bar.

Police Chief Marty Corley confirmed Monday that 25-year-old Dante Sellers was shot and killed outside Matey’s Bar & Restaurant around 2:30 Sunday morning.

Sellers is the latest young victim in a string of gun violence that Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch calls out of control and reckless.

Just one week ago, Michigan City Police Headquarters was hit by gunfire when two 21-year-old men were being chased with a gun. The shots broke windows and damaged the lobby door.

The two men were running from the BP gas station across the street, the same spot where another deadly shooting happened July 12.

As police continue investigating the of these recent crimes, Chief Marty Corley hopes bringing the community together with line dancing, music, police demonstrations, raffles, laser tag, and free food during National Night Out will help put an end to the violence.

“We’ve had a rough couple weeks around here with some crimes that have been going on,” Corley said. “But we are in the midst of continuing to make this place safe, keep people safe. We already know coming together and bringing our resources together, just looking at the path we’ve taken and the path we need to go, is key.”

The police department says these were all isolated incidents.

MCPD asks anyone with information about this case to contact Det./Sgt. Hood at (219) 874-3221 Ext. 1074 or by email at [email protected].