(Michigan City, IN) - A new police chief has been named in Michigan City as the community struggles to get a handle on gun violence, including a string of recent shootings.
The announcement Monday came fewer than 24 hours after an individual survived being shot multiple times and less than a week after the city’s second fatal shooting since early August.
Beginning September 14, Marty Corley will return to the rank and file at the department after serving as chief since January of 2024.
He will be replaced by Assistant Chief Steve Forker, who was chief for over two years until replaced by Corley.
In a prepared statement, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, who appointed Corley after taking over as mayor, said her decision reflects the city’s commitment to strengthening things like public safety.
She praised Corley for balancing his work in law enforcement with his duties on the school board and several community organizations.
“While this was a difficult decision, the demands of the Chief’s office require singular focus, especially during this important moment for our city,” she said.
In a statement, Corley said he understands the decision.
“The position of chief demands one be fully absorbed in the role and I respect the mayor’s judgement that this change is in the best interest of the city at this time,” he said.
Corley said he will continue on at the department as a sergeant.
Gun violence, despite ongoing efforts to curb it in recent years, remains an issue at a time when the city appears to be on the cusp of a resurgence.
A 12 story tower containing over 200 apartments is being constructed beside the new South Shore Railroad commuter line train station at 11th and Franklin streets.
Construction is expected to begin soon on two similar sized towers containing hotel rooms and condominiums about a mile to the north along U.S. 12 just west of Blue Chip Casino.
A key factor in drawing such investment is the anticipated increase in visitors from a one way trip to and from Chicago made roughly 30 minutes quicker from construction of a second rail line last year between Michigan City and Gary.
There have also been concerns expressed about crime possibly having a negative impact on the city’s future growth potential.
Jack Arnett, Executive Director of the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the attention given to headlines about a shooting is not something people in the tourism industry want to see.
However, Arnett said the number of visitors in Michigan City continues to go up and surveys from people attending events here strongly indicate they feel safe.
“Our numbers are growing every year and at a high level,” he said.
According to police, a 40 year old person was shot multiple times in the left leg on the evening of September 7 at the BP gas station at 1302 E. Michigan Boulevard. A suspect in that shooting has been detained pending the possible filing of charges, police said.
On September 3, Jacob Addison, 25, was shot at a home in the 1300 block of Franklin St. and died the following day.
The previous month, Dante Sellers, 25, was fatally shot outside Matey’s, a restaurant and bar near the lakefront.
In July, Jordan Rose, 20, was fatally shot also outside the BP gas station.
Other recent acts of gunfire include a man seriously wounded in a late July shooting at Michigan Boulevard and 5th St. and the police station being riddled with bullets the same month.
So far, charges have been filed in one of the three recent fatal shootings.
Deuitch said the city will work closely with Forker and his leadership team to keep public safety at the forefront of Michigan City’s growth, support officers with training and resources to meet today’s challenges, strengthen community-police partnerships and enhance communication and transparency.
“This is a new chapter for the Michigan City Police Department. Together, with Chief Forker, our officers and our residents, we will continue working toward a safer, stronger and more vibrant Michigan City,” Deuitch said.
