Bloomington man shot, killed near Section 8 housing office

A Bloomington man was shot and killed early Wednesday near the area of the Section 8 housing office.

The Bloomington Police Department responded to a report of a man being shot at 2:19 a.m. in the 1000 block of North Illinois Street, BPD Sgt. Detective Sgt. John Kovach said.

Police found the victim lying in the street with a bullet wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No information about the victim is currently being released by police, Kovach said.

“Officers are currently pursuing several leads in this case,” Kovach said.

Witnesses told police they saw a silver Chrysler leaving the area, believed to be en route to Indianapolis. Kovach said the car is among several leads.

Kovach said no connection has been found linking the shooting to Section 8 or any disputes with those waiting in line to apply for housing.

More than one shot was fired during the incident, but police are still trying to determine the exact number of rounds fired. Kovach was unable to release whether a firearm or casings were recovered at the scene.

Following the incident, Kovach said the man’s body remained outside uncovered for several hours.

He said police handled the body in this manner because they were waiting for the coroner to arrive and because they did not want to destroy any evidence at the crime scene.

“It is the preservation of evidence,” Kovach said. “It’s just the best way to do it to keep it from being contaminated.”

The case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is askedto contact the BPD at 812-339-4477.

— Jake New