In a joint announcement Thursday, Gary leadership announced the city health department received a threatening phone call directed toward its inspectors.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Police Chief Derrick Cannon said in a news release. “Our officers are actively investigating this matter and will use every resource necessary to ensure the safety of our city employees and hold those accountable who attempt to intimidate or threaten them.”
The police department has launched a full investigation against the health department threat. A city spokesperson said in a Thursday email that the threat was made Wednesday, and the city is “still actively investigating.”
The threat comes just about a couple weeks after two Gary grocery stores had been closed and reopened following health inspections. Miller K Market and Save More Foods reopened after successful follow-up health and safety inspections.
A city representative previously released health inspection reports for both stores. All errors were corrected by a Sept. 5 follow-up inspection, according to Post-Tribune archives.
Miller K Market had three days to correct two errors following a routine inspection, according to Gary Health Department documents. The store was required to complete general cleaning, including on the floors, walls, ceiling and coolers, and the document detailed a “mold type substance” in the cooler. There was also expired food in the cooler and freezer, including sausage, bacon and fish.
Issues at Save More were expected to be completed in one week, according to a document from the Sept. 2 inspection. Those included areas throughout the facility with dirt and grime, a meat cooler in disrepair, plastic covered in meat grime, multiple missing tiles and plumbing under a meat cooler in disrepair. The health department also noted a handwashing sink that was not properly stocked, which was expected to be corrected the same day.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said in a news release that the city has increased inspections to raise standards for local businesses and “create healthier and safer spaces for our community.”
“For a long time, many establishments were allowed to operate without proper oversight,” Melton said. “The fact that this threat was made only confirms that the work we are doing is right, necessary and impactful. We will not be distracted or intimidated. On the contrary, this fuels our determination to stay the course on behalf of the people of Gary. We remain steadfast in our mission to build a Greater Gary for all residents.”
After the grocery stores were first closed, a city news release said the businesses were not permanently closed, and temporary closure was used to help ensure compliance.
For anyone with information that could help the investigation, call the Gary Police Department at 219-881-7300 or text 219-207-8477 to leave an anonymous tip.
“The city remains committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and to advancing initiatives that improve the quality of life for all citizens,” the news release said.
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com