Progress in Bissel Street shooting investigation, Mayor Mueller addresses violent weekend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend officials are addressing public safety concerns following a night of violence after the Sept. 19 Notre Dame-Michigan State football game.

South Bend Mayor James Mueller held a news conference to discuss several high-profile crimes reported that evening and reassure residents that overall crime in the city remains down this year.

On Eddy Street, a shooting injured a teenage girl and a South Bend police officer who was struck by a ricocheting bullet.

Police have since arrested 19-year-old Anthony Taylor, who is facing three charges in connection with the shooting.

The city is working with the University of Notre Dame and Eddy Street property owners on additional safety measures.

As part of the response, restaurants and bars on Eddy Street close at midnight, and police presence in the area will remain elevated.

“It’s not going to be a silver bullet or magic solution that will resolve all issues, but it will resolve a number of issues that are important to both the neighborhood and business owners in the area,” South Bend Mayor James Mueller says.

Another shooting on Bissel Street remains under investigation, and police have not identified a suspect.

Mueller urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

“We would like to hear from community members more,” Mueller says. “There are plenty of people that were there. There are plenty of people who know exactly what happened and we would love for them to talk to us.”

Another shooting occurred after tailgating lots on Notre Dame’s campus were cleared. Three people were killed on Bissel Street.

Captain Kayla Miller with South Bend Police said investigators have conducted multiple interviews and executed multiple search warrants as they work to identify those responsible.

“I know that as we speak to the family members directly, it does not feel like we are moving at a fast pace, but I can assure you with the complications of this investigation,” Miller said. “We’ve got three young lives lost that night. It does compound the investigation.”

Police have not released information identifying potential suspects, but Miller said investigators have made significant progress.

“It is a puzzle that needs to be pieced together and while we want to do it swiftly, we want to do it correctly because at the end of the day, we wanna make sure that we are holding people accountable,” Miller says.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the shootings to contact the South Bend Police Department or submit a tip through Michiana Crime Stoppers.