Post-Tribune
GARY, Ind. — An argument between a boy’s father and his mother’s fiance launched a brawl at a T-ball game that left his parents and their significant others reporting injuries, police said. All four are Gary city employees.
Gary police Lts. Nelson Otano and Thomas Pawlak are investigating the criminal complaints filed Wednesday evening by Gary police Cpl. Shirletta Montgomery, 41, the boy’s stepmother; her husband and the boy’s father, Danielle Montgomery, 46, a Gary firefighter; Brandi Smith, 33, Gary Fire Department medic and the boy’s mother; her fiance, Larry Banks, also a Gary firefighter.
The Montgomerys and Smith are Merrillville residents. Banks lives in Gary, the police report states.
The police departments Internal Affairs Division is also reviewing the officer’s action in the melee. Fire Chief Paul Bradley said his department is investigating the actions of his employees and said he expected to make an announcement next week.
About 6:50 p.m., police were called to the ball field at 21st Avenue and Harrison Street, north of Roosevelt High School. Patrolman Jonathan Barnes wrote in his report that Banks and Danielle Montgomery argued about custody of Montgomery’s son and when the argument peaked, pushing and shoving escalated to punching and biting, the report says.
The four adults involved all provided police with their own versions of the altercation. Smith and Danielle Montgomery went to the hospital for treatment of their injuries, the police report states. Smith said she had cuts on her face and a swollen, bloody knee. Montgomery said her left eye was swollen because of a punch.
Shirletta Montgomery reported she was scratched on her face and her right hand was injured. She said she lost diamond hoop earrings during the confrontation.
Banks told police he was struck in the face while trying to separate Smith and Shirletta Montgomery.
Copyright 2015 Post-Tribune
All Rights Reserved