Patrolman Lawrence J. Pucalik

Lawrence J. Pucalik

Patrolman Lawrence Pucalik was shot and killed while working an off-duty security job at a local hotel at 3:00 am.

While in an office nearby, he heard a commotion at the front desk as several armed suspects entered and attempted to rob the hotel clerk. As Patrolman Pucalik came out of the office with his gun drawn the suspects opened fire, striking him in the neck.

In July 2012, 31 years after his murder, three suspects were arrested and charged with murdering Patrolman Pucalik.

Patrolman Pucalik had served with the Hammond Police Department for over 6-1/2 years. He was scheduled to receive his department's ''Top Gun'' award later in the day.