Gary School Board members, from left, Robert Buggs, Norman Bailey, Nellie Moore, and James Piggee talk about their status during a meeting in 2017. (Carole Carlson / Post-Tribune)

       Gary school advisory board member Norman Bailey was shot and killed inside his business early Friday.

       A second man was also shot, police said.

       Police arrived at the Blue Room Lounge, 224 E. 16th Ave., at 2:59 a.m. and found Bailey unresponsive on the floor. Police Cmdr. Jack Hamady said in a release that Bailey suffered gunshot wounds.

       About 3:20 a.m., police received a call regarding a gunshot victim being treated at Methodist Hospitals Northlake campus in Gary.

       A witness told police the 28-year-old male was inside the Blue Lounge when they heard gunfire.

       Norman Bailey - Original Credit: Post-Tribune (Provided by Gary Schools / HANDOUT)

       Police said patrons began running out of the lounge and that’s when they found the man had suffered a gunshot wound in his leg and buttocks area. Police said he was taken to the hospital by a private individual.

       Bailey, 60, who was serving his second term on the school board, was praised by board president Robert Buggs.

       “I call him ‘Norman the quiet storm,’ because he was nice and easy going, but don’t get him riled,” said Buggs.

       Buggs said he received a call about the shooting and stayed at the Blue Room until Bailey’s body was removed.

       “I’m just heartbroken. First Ms. Felton and then this happens,” he said.

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       On Dec. 8, former school advisory board member Mary Felton was shot and killed in Gary shortly after she left the Gary police department. Police arrested a man who had been hiding in her car.

       Buggs said Bailey planned to shift his business operation to a site at 8th Avenue and Broadway, near a new apartment building. “He was working hard day and night,” said Buggs.

       Mayor Jerome Prince said in a statement: “Our Gary Police Department will use every tool available to bring the person or people responsible for this heinous act to justice.”

       Prince praised Bailey as a highly respected and well-liked business owner and community member.

       “In business, he was a hands-on leader who showed the best our Gary community has to offer. As a public servant, including his time on the Gary Community School Corp. Advisory Board, Mr. Bailey showed his heart and love for his neighbors and the children throughout our City.”

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       The Gary Community School Corp. also issued a statement:

       “We, at the Gary Community School Corporation, were both shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of advisory board member Norman Bailey. His passion for youth and love for the community were signature traits of his character. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of those whose lives he touched.”

       Akilia McCain, vice president of the advisory board, said she just met Bailey a year ago when she joined the advisory board.

       “He immediately embraced me as a colleague with his warm and gentle smile,” she said. Bailey also nominated her to serve as vice president.

       She said she saw Bailey on Sunday at a community meeting concerning House Bill 1187, regarding takeover legislation for the school district.

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       “I am profoundly saddened by the news of his senseless death. I extend my deepest condolences to the Bailey Family and I mourn the loss of this stalwart of our community,” she said in a statement.

       Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Det. Greg Fayson, Lake County Metro Homicide 219-755-3855 or Gary Crime tip line 1-866-274-6347.

       Meanwhile, police responded to another shooting death at 5:06 a.m. Friday in the 2400 block of Broadway.

       Police found a male with gunshot wounds to his torso lying next to a building. He was not immediately identified.

       The Lake County Coroner’s office, Gary Police CSI and the Lake County Crime Lab processed the scene.

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       Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Sgt. Kris Admas, Lake County Metro Homicide 219-755-3855 or Gary Crime tip line 1-866 274-6347.

       Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

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