VALPARAISO | Malfunctioning shotgun shells prevented Edgar Tillery from taking further shots Friday and potentially injuring or killing his co-workers at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development office in Portage, according to police.
Tillery, 60, who was charged Monday with felony counts of attempted murder and criminal recklessness, was attempting to reload his gun when police arrived. He reportedly told officers the shells were malfunctioning.
Police said they found two boxes of loaded 12-gauge shotgun shells inside Tillery's car parked outside the office at 6224 Central Ave.
Tillery allegedly retrieved the gun from his car and began shooting about 2:30 p.m. Friday after receiving a poor job review after 19 years on the job. He was told he would either have to change his ways as an auditor or resign, according to court documents.
"I have an answer to that in my car," Tillery is quoted as saying.
Employees, who at first thought Tillery was retrieving further documentation, locked the front office door after realizing he had a gun and were prepared to flee through a rear door when they heard a bang.
Jennifer Chappell, the manager who had discussed the review with Tillery, said as she fled the rear of the building, she heard Tillery say, "Turn around and face me, b - - - -."
None of the 16 employees were injured.
Police said they found wadding from a shotgun shell in the frame of the front door and the glass was shattered. They also found two unspent shells near the front door and another near the rear door.
Police said Tillery later told them in a department interview room that, "I'm not apologizing for what the hell I did."
When left alone, Tillery reportedly ranted on in anger, using several profanities.
"It's a good thing I did it," he allegedly said. "I'm not crazy, I don't care, I'd rather go to prison."
Police said when Tillery was told he was to be charged with attempted murder, Tillery responded, "figures" and reportedly said "big time" when police left the room.
Tillery, who lives at 400 Camelot Estates in Portage, faces between 20 and 50 years in prison if convicted on the attempted murder charge.
The issue of bond is expected to be taken up today during an initial hearing before Porter Circuit Court Judge Mary Harper.
Hughes said it was at the request of detectives that the department waited until Monday before identifying Tillery.
In a statement issued Monday, Portage Police Chief Mark Becker said, "I am proud of the actions of our officers, and in hindsight I am grateful that our entire department was exposed to active shooting training just a few short years ago."
"I would just add that no community is immune from this type of senseless violence, fortunately we have a story that ends with no loss of life and no injuries to our community," he said.
THE CHARGES: Edgar Tillery, who lives at 400 Camelot Estates in Portage, is charged with felony counts of attempted murder and criminal recklessness after allegedly terrorizing co-workers with a shotgun Friday at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development office in Portage. He faces between 20 and 50 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder.
