$400K bond set in Portage shooting case

VALPARAISO | Bond was set Tuesday at $200,000 cash and $200,000 surety for the Portage man accused of attempting to kill a supervisor Friday when he opened fire at an Indiana Department of Workforce Development office.

In setting the large bond amount, Porter Circuit Court Judge Mary Harper said of Edgar Tillery, "The defendant poses a significant danger to the community."

Harper ordered that if 60-year-old Tillery is released on bond, he is to avoid contact with any employee of the Department of Workforce Development, which is the agency that administers the state's employment and training programs and unemployment insurance system. He was further ordered to stay a minimum of a quarter-mile away from any Workforce Development office.

The action was taken as Tillery made an initial court appearance on charges of attempted murder and criminal recklessness. Tillery, who lives at 400 Camelot Estates, faces between 20 and 50 years in prison if convicted on the attempted murder charge.

Pleas of not guilty were entered on his behalf and a trial was set for July 19, with preliminary hearings slated for May 11 and June 15.

Police believe Tillery was attempting to kill office manager Jennifer Chappell when he opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun Friday after receiving an unfavorable job review at the office, 6224 Central Ave. in Portage.

No one was injured. Tillery reportedly told police the shotgun shells malfunctioned, stopping his rampage.

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 where his co-workers had fled.

Police said they found two boxes of loaded 12-gauge shotgun shells inside Tillery's car parked outside the office.

While police said Tillery was irate and unrepentant following Friday's incident, he was calm during Monday's hearing and repeatedly responded to the judge's questions with, "Yes, ma'am." Wearing orange jail garb and shackles, Tillery was unshaven and his white hair was disheveled.

He appeared in court with newly hired defense attorney Matt Soliday, who voiced interest in potentially seeking a lower bond once he has reviewed the facts in the case.