Ryan Askew, a 59-year-old Black male from Crown Point, Indiana, had dedicated his life to law enforcement before settling into a role as a security officer at Community Hospital in Munster. A retired commander with the Lake County Sheriff's Department, he was known among his colleagues and family as a devoted protector who had served his community for decades.
On June 16, 2020, he was working the night shift alongside his partner, Benny Freeman, when a disturbance broke out on the hospital premises that would ultimately lead to a tragic loss of life.
The situation began when hospital staff issued a "Code Yellow," signaling a combative patient in need of containment. Jamal Williams, a 22-year-old patient who had been admitted earlier that night, had become violent and began attacking a nurse in his room. Askew and Freeman responded immediately to the distress call. When they arrived, the patient turned his aggression toward the security team, overpowering them during the struggle. Williams managed to place Askew in a severe chokehold, lifting him off the ground and striking him repeatedly. Witnesses reported that Askew was drifting in and out of consciousness as the assault continued, with the patient refusing to release his grip.
Fearing for his partner's life, Freeman drew his weapon and fired two shots intended to neutralize the attacker. The gunfire struck Williams in the face, killing him, but one of the bullets also struck Askew in the arm. The projectile traveled into his chest, inflicting a fatal wound. despite immediate medical attention from the hospital staff present at the scene, Askew succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The chaotic struggle ended with both the security officer and the patient deceased, leaving the hospital staff and the community in shock.
The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the use of force and the circumstances surrounding the double fatality. It was determined that Freeman’s actions were taken in a desperate attempt to save Askew from a life-threatening situation. The shooting was characterized by authorities as a tragic instance of friendly fire resulting from the violent altercation initiated by the patient. Consequently, no charges were filed against Freeman, and the case was closed as a justifiable homicide regarding the patient and an accidental death regarding Askew, closing the legal chapter on a heartbreaking night for the Munster community.
