A 34-year-old Gary man was fatally shot Tuesday night during an altercation at a local bar.

Police responded around 9:30 p.m. on August 19 to reports of gunfire at Thumbs Up Bar, 620 S. Lake Street. Officers found the victim, Robert Gaskin, 34, of Gary, collapsed just outside the establishment. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Gary Fire Department EMS.

Investigators said the suspect briefly exchanged words with Gaskin inside the bar before opening fire. Witnesses provided a description that led to the suspect being quickly apprehended nearby. Authorities believe the shooting was an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat to the community.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed Gaskin died from gunshot wounds, ruling his death a homicide after an autopsy at the Lake County Forensic Center in Crown Point.

The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Gary Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigators, and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force. Formal charges against the suspect are expected.

The Gary Police Department extended condolences to Gaskin’s family and thanked the community for helping secure a swift arrest.