Starvin Larry

Chicago Tribune-

“…In August, 1999, troubled by gun violence that wracked his city, former Gary mayor Scott King sued 21 gun manufacturers and distributors and six local dealers and three associations. Two local retailers reached settlements with the city, including the now-closed Fetla’s in Valparaiso and Westforth Sports in Gary. Ameripawn in Lake Station no longer sells handguns.

A trial court judge dismissed gun manufacturers and dealers, but a higher court reversed the ruling.

The lawsuit contended major manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Colt and Beretta and gun dealers should be accountable for readily supplying guns they know will reach criminals and others who illegally can’t buy them.

King pointed to an investigation by Gary police in which undercover officers made straw purchases of at least nine handguns and boxes of ammunition after telling gun store clerks they were convicted felons or juveniles.

In its successful appeal, the city pointed to 70 murders in 1997 and 54 in 1998. From 1997 through 2,000, 764 recovered handguns were sold by dealers named as defendants.

About 30 cities across the country, including Chicago, filed similar lawsuits. All of them have been dismissed except Gary’s. Setting aside the gun makers’ arguments that a federal shield law protects them from suits, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled the case could proceed in 2009.

Gary gun suit timeline

Aug. 27, 1999 — City of Gary files suit against gun dealers, manufacturers, trade associations

December, 1999 — City settles with Fetlas, a Valparaiso retailer for $10,000

March, 2001 — trial court dismisses lawsuit, calling it unconstitutional

September, 2002 — Indiana Appellate Court reverses dismisal against certain gun dealers, allowing case to proceed.

December, 2003, the Indiana Supreme Court rules Gary may proceed with its lawsuit against gun manufacturers and sellers.

May, 2005 — Ameripawn in Lake Station agrees to stop selling pistols.

November, 2007 — City reaches confidential agreement with Westforth Sports

January, 2009 — Supreme Court denies petition for transfer.

January, 2015 — Senate Bill 390 would prohibit lawsuits against gun industry and it would be retroactive to Aug. 26, 1999.”

Read the whole story @  http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-gary-gun-suit-bill-focus-st-0217-20150216-story.html