Neighbors consider relocating after double shooting in Elkhart

ELKHART, Ind. --- Residents in Elkhart are trying to wrap their heads around what happened Friday morning after a double shooting ends with a two-year-old and the suspect being shot and killed.

The suspect was shot by an officer - who has not be identified - after being found in an alley on Seventh and Wolf nearby the initial location of the incident on High Street.

Assistant Police Chief Chris Snyder says there is body camera footage which is currently under review, but some residents tell me this incident has them thinking about relocating.

“I’m tired of this. I’ve lived in this town for 22 years and the last 5 years everything has changed," said Juan Delgado, a concerned neighbor.

The shots fired during the dispute aren't unusual for the community as they share there's been several just within the last month.

“Officers made contact with the suspect and attempted to gain his compliance. During that event, an officer of the Elkhart Police Department discharged his service weapon striking the suspect causing his death," said Chris Snyder, Assistant Chief for the Elkhart Police Department.

The tragic incident striking a chord for many in the community - including Mayor Rod Roberson who issued a statement Friday evening writing,

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred in our city today. We have lost two of our children and my thoughts and prayers are with the families. I am grieving with you and I am hopeful we can get to a space where we put the guns down and care for one another. The investigation will reveal the details soon. As your mayor, I wonder when we’ll realize guns don’t provide an answer. Put the guns down and let’s build this city that we all want, together.”

For Delgado he just hopes this incident sparks more movement to control gun violence and that it brings the community together so that they don’t have to loose another child.

“It’s hard, it’s hard to loose a kid. I loose a kid years ago and it’s hard. There’s no words for that - just say I’m sorry," said Delgado.

ABC57 has filed a request, under the Freedom of Information Act, to obtain the body cam footage from today's shooting. The officer who discharged his gun on the suspect is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as per protocol.