Shots fired thwarting robbery attempt
The Times Online
http://www.thetimesonline.com/asp/rslt_FullStory.asp?NewsId=125590&PageNo=&wImg=&SK=&KW=
Saturday
May 19, 2001
Shots fired thwarting robbery attempt
EAST CHICAGO — East Chicago police confiscated a gun Thursday after
three men reported two attempted robberies after the van they were
riding in overheated.
Police were called to the 3500 block of Guthrie Street after receiving
reports of shots fired. Witnesses told police three white men fired
several shots. Police located Thomas Franciski of Whiting, Eric Blevins
of Hammond and Brian McLain of Hammond.
Franciski told police their van overheated and when they pulled over,
eight to 10 people approached the van. One person reportedly reached in
the van to grab the keys when Franciski reached for his gun.
The three men began to leave the area when the others returned to the
van. Fearing they were going to steal the van, Franciski allegedly fired
four shots into the ground, according to police. No one was injured.
