Gary Teen Charged with Attempted Murder After Woman Shot Over Cell Phone
GARY, Ind. — A young man from Gary is facing serious legal consequences after being charged in connection with a violent shooting that left a woman critically injured earlier this year. Authorities have identified the suspect as 18-year-old Havier Aaron Moreno, who now faces multiple felony charges, including Attempted Murder, Aggravated Battery, and Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, following an incident that unfolded outside a Gary residence on May 7, 2025.
According to Lake County prosecutors and Gary Police Department investigators, the confrontation began as a dispute over a cell phone, escalating into one of the most shocking acts of violence in the community so far this year. Police reports reveal that officers were called to the 700 block of West 15th Avenue shortly before 10:00 p.m., following multiple reports of gunfire and a woman found lying on the sidewalk suffering from several gunshot wounds.
When emergency responders arrived, they discovered a female victim in her mid-twenties, whose name has not yet been publicly released, bleeding from multiple gunshot injuries to her torso and arm. She was rushed to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus, where doctors stabilized her condition after extensive emergency surgery. Medical staff described her injuries as life-threatening, and investigators later confirmed that she survived the shooting but faces a long recovery process.
Witness statements and video surveillance obtained from nearby homes helped detectives piece together the sequence of events. According to court filings, the confrontation began when the victim accused Moreno of taking her cell phone after a brief argument outside her residence. The disagreement quickly turned volatile, with neighbors reporting raised voices and the sound of several gunshots moments later.
Investigators say that Moreno fled the scene on foot, leaving behind shell casings that were later recovered and matched to a 9mm handgun. The weapon itself has not yet been located. After an extensive investigation, detectives were able to identify Moreno as the shooter through witness identifications and forensic evidence.
A warrant was issued for his arrest earlier this month, and he was taken into custody on November 3, 2025, during a coordinated operation by Gary Police and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Task Force. At the time of his arrest, Moreno reportedly offered no resistance. He is currently being held without bond at the Lake County Jail pending a court appearance later this week.
Court documents reveal chilling details of the confrontation, including witness testimony that Moreno allegedly shouted at the victim before firing multiple shots in rapid succession. The woman fell to the ground as Moreno ran off, leaving her bleeding on the pavement. Neighbors immediately called 911, and officers were on the scene within minutes.
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter has confirmed that Moreno faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on all charges. “This act of senseless violence has deeply impacted not just the victim, but an entire neighborhood,” Carter said. “We intend to pursue justice to the fullest extent allowed by law.”
Family members of the victim, who have chosen not to speak publicly, expressed their gratitude to first responders and doctors who helped save her life. Friends have described her as “a kind and hardworking young woman” who was simply trying to resolve a personal dispute that spiraled out of control.
As of this week, Moreno has entered no plea. The case remains under investigation, with authorities reviewing additional evidence, including potential digital messages and surveillance video from the surrounding area.
The city of Gary has faced a string of violent incidents this year, but police officials hope that swift arrests like this one will reassure residents that justice is being served. “Every life matters,” said Gary Police Chief Brian Evans. “Our goal is to make sure violent offenders are held accountable and that victims see justice in the courtroom.”
The woman continues to recover from her injuries, surrounded by family and friends, while the community grapples with the senselessness of violence sparked by something as small as a cell phone.
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