Suspect dies after exchange of gunfire with police in Valparaiso

VALPARAISO, Ind. - A suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police in Valparaiso Thursday afternoon. 

According to preliminary information, officers were dispatched to the area of Fairgrounds Park just after 2 p.m. for a suspicious person displaying a handgun.

Officers located a male subject who matched the description of the subject near the Butterfield Pavilion.

When officers approached the suspect, he fled and ran toward Calumet Avenue. During the foot pursuit, an exchange of gunfire took place between the suspect and the officers.

Both the Valparaiso Police Department and the Porter County Sheriff's Department were involved.

The suspect was wounded as a result of the gunfire and was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been released.

The Indiana State Police were asked to investigate the shooting. The Porter County Sheriff's Office said two of their officers were involved. Both officers were put on paid administrative leave, per agency policy. 

The Valparaiso Police Department said three of their officers fired their weapons. They were all placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. 

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.