Police Searched for Suspect After South Bend Shooting
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire in the Eddy Street Commons area on Thursday evening.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Violence
Police in South Bend have launched an active search for a gunman following reports of shots fired in the Eddy Street Commons area. One individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment after the incident.
Why it matters
Law enforcement issued an immediate shelter-in-place order for nearby residents and individuals inside the stadium to ensure public safety during the search. The incident triggered a significant police response across the vicinity of the Notre Dame campus.
Emergency services received the initial report of gunfire at 7:37 p.m. Authorities are actively searching for a heavy-set Black male suspect last seen near the south edge of the Notre Dame campus.
The players
South Bend Police Department
The department is the primary agency responsible for investigating the shooting and managing the active scene.
University of Notre Dame
The campus served as the area where the suspect was last observed by authorities.
The details
The suspect was described as wearing blue shorts, a black shirt, and one white shoe. Police instructed those in the area to remain inside the stadium and continue to shelter in place while the search continues.
Timeline
The emergency call was received at 7:37 p.m. on September 19, 2026.
Legal Context
The deployment of shelter-in-place orders during active investigations follows standard safety patterns set by the 2024 campus safety response protocols. These measures reflect broader efforts to manage public safety during violent incidents in dense urban campus environments.
Residents and visitors in the Eddy Street Commons area should remain vigilant and follow all instructions from local law enforcement. Access to parts of the Notre Dame campus may be restricted while authorities maintain their perimeter during the search.
The takeaway
Public safety remains the primary focus as the search for the suspect continues throughout the area. Residents are advised to avoid the south edge of the campus until official word is given that the scene is secure.
Further reading
For additional updates on local safety and police activity, view our Violence coverage.
