Hammond Police said two teens were arrested Wednesday morning by SWAT teams in connection with a Jan. 14 slaying.
The suspects, aged 18 and 15, were wanted in the shooting death of Armando Velasquez, 19.
Hammond Police spokesman Captain Steve Kellogg said Velasquez was shot elsewhere around 5:50 p.m. Jan. 14 and drove himself to Briar East Liquors saying he was wounded.
The Post-Tribune is not identifying the suspects, because charges could not be found in public court filings for the elder teen, and the other is a minor.
The 18-year-old is expected to be charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted robbery. Juvenile charges are pending for the 15-year-old, Kellogg said in a release.
They were arrested without incident on the 6500 block of McCook Avenue and 6600 block of Kansas Avenue in a joint operation between the Hammond Police SWAT team and Northwest Regional SWAT team.
“This arrest reflects a month of detailed investigative work and strong collaboration between our department, regional partners, and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office,” Hammond Police Chief Jeffrey Long said. “While nothing can undo the loss suffered by the victim’s family, we remain committed to holding those responsible fully accountable and ensuring justice is pursued.”
Velasquez attended Morton High School and loved baseball, dirt bike riding, four-wheeling, fishing and cars, according to his obituary.
Anyone with more information can call Hammond Police at 219-853-6490.
