South Bend standoff ends without arrest

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Police have yet to confirm whether a Christmas day shooting in South Bend is connected to a SWAT standoff the next night on the same block. Police are not giving many details at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

"I looked out and there was cops once again everywhere," said Curtis Strickland.

ABC57 interviewed Strickland Thursday after a 15-year-old Mishawaka student was shot on Donald Street, not far at all from Riley High School.

ABC57 spoke to him again Friday because he witnessed a SWAT standoff at the same house the next night.

"'We need you guys to come out the house, we want to do this as peacefully and safely as we can without anyone getting hurt.' I heard that over and over," Strickland said.

The standoff lasted for hours; officers threw cannisters of tear gas into the home.

All this, while Strickland's panicked grandkids were home celebrating the holiday. He said officers instructed them to go in a basement or stay low.

"It should be a day of enjoyment, rejoicement, family things," he said.

The standoff ended in a search of the property Thursday night but no arrest.

"I'm like now what's next, you know?" Strickland asked.

It's still unclear who was home at the time of the standoff. ABC57 crews did not see anyone leave on their own or with police, but a family member of the residence says some people were taken in for questioning.

Again, police are not able to say what this standoff was about or if it's related to that Christmas day shooting.