A LaPorte County sheriff's deputy was shot inside Franciscan Health Michigan City hospital around 7:15 a.m. and is in critical condition; authorities say the shooting is under investigation.
Michigan City, Indiana, residents are digging out from a record-breaking snowstorm that dumped over 30 inches of snow, with some areas experiencing near whiteout conditions and snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour. While some are enjoying the winter wonderland, others are clearing snow for extra cash. Law enforcement urges caution on treacherous roadways, with over 150 calls received due to crashes and slide-offs. Crews are working to clear and widen roadways, and residents are asked to clear parked vehicles for plows.
Employees at a Hardee's restaurant in Michigan City, Indiana, allegedly stole customers' credit card information and used the funds to bail inmates out of the LaPorte County Jail. The group made fraudulent charges totaling $14,700 using drive-thru customers' credit and debit cards. The suspects face charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and criminal organizational activity, with potential prison sentences of up to eight and a half years if convicted. The scheme involved photographing customers' cards at the drive-thru window, using them to place money into inmates' jail accounts, and then withdrawing the remaining balance on a jail-issued debit card. One suspect remains at large, and anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.