Police preparing for possible protests in Michigan City

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. --- Police were on standby in Michigan City at the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, ready to take action in case of any violent protests.

Local businesses were also on alert as several of the buildings had boarded up windows and doors.

“I’ve been coming here since they opened it,” Charles VanHorn said, Lives in Michigan City.  “I was like, their third customer in this coffee shop. There was no coffee shop before this coffee shop.”

Charles VanHorn is a resident of Michigan City and as the threat of protests loomed over the place he has called home, he spent the afternoon boarding up his long-time friends’ coffee shop, located across the street from the outlets.

“I don’t want to see it destroyed,” VanHorn said. “They worked their heart and soul to keep this place going.”

This came as police were on stand-by Monday evening, surrounding the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets just in case violent protests breakout.

“I don’t want to see nothing happen to it,” VanHorn said.

VanHorn said he wants to protect the beloved coffee shop, Lakeshore Coffee on Wabash St. and does not have time for hate.

“I just have time for love and peace,” VanHorn said.

During a time where protests sweep the country, with many outraged in the wake of 46-year-old George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis office knelt on his neck, VanHorn had a few words of advice.

“Well, we can’t hug each other because of the coronavirus right now,” VanHorn said. “But if you’ve got somebody you love, hug them; tell them you love them. You never know when the last time you’ll get to hug them, so that’s really all I’ve got to say. Just don’t hurt this place. They’ve been here for a long time.”