Portage Shooting – A 22-year-old Chesterton man was fatally shot early Wednesday morning outside the business where he worked in Portage, Indiana.
Authorities have identified the victim as Lenell Jenkins, with the incident sparking an ongoing investigation as police search for the suspect.
The Portage Police Department responded to a call at approximately 3:30 a.m. concerning gunfire outside Camaco, an automotive parts manufacturer located at 6515 Ameriplex Drive in Portage. When officers arrived, they discovered Jenkins’ body in the parking lot, where he had succumbed to gunshot wounds. The Porter County Coroner’s Office confirmed Jenkins’ identity and has scheduled an autopsy for Thursday morning to determine the exact cause of death.
According to a police report, the shooting occurred during a shift change at Camaco. Witnesses at the scene told officers that an altercation had taken place between Jenkins and the suspect just moments before the shooting. The verbal argument quickly escalated, resulting in Jenkins being shot. After the incident, the suspect fled the scene, and as of this report, remains at large.
Authorities have yet to release details regarding the nature of the argument or any relationship between Jenkins and the shooter. However, the Portage Police Department is actively investigating the case and urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating the suspect.
Detective Tony Dandurand of the Portage Police Department is leading the investigation. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact him at 219-764-5705. All tips will be treated with confidentiality, and authorities hope that public cooperation will aid in resolving the case swiftly.