Gary man charged with murder after running over business owner in parking lot

Atrailu Moore, 38, allegedly followed and struck Tony Pendleton, a local business owner, with his vehicle in Griffith, Indiana

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and shattered car windshield, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violence and destruction of the crime.A violent attack on a local business owner exposes the need for greater safety and security measures in commercial areas.Gary Today

A 38-year-old Gary man has been charged with murder after he allegedly ran over and killed a local business owner in a parking lot in Griffith, Indiana on Monday morning. Police say Atrailu Moore followed Tony Pendleton through the lot, had a brief interaction with him, and then intentionally struck him with a red Jeep Grand Cherokee, resulting in Pendleton's death.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of violence and targeted attacks against small business owners in the region, raising concerns about public safety and the need for improved security measures in commercial areas.

The details

According to police, Moore followed Pendleton through the parking lot, spoke briefly with him, and then deliberately hit him with the Jeep, leaving Pendleton with severe injuries. Pendleton, the owner of a local business, was pronounced dead at the scene. Moore remained at the site when officers arrived and was promptly arrested.

  • The incident occurred on Monday morning in the parking lot of a business in Griffith, Indiana.
  • Moore was listed as an inmate of the Lake County jail as of Wednesday afternoon.

The players

Atrailu Moore

A 38-year-old man from Gary, Indiana who has been charged with murder for allegedly running over and killing a local business owner.

Tony Pendleton

The owner of a local business in Griffith, Indiana who was killed when he was allegedly struck by Moore's vehicle in the parking lot.

Griffith Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, arrested Moore, and is investigating the case.

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What they’re saying

“Violence will not be tolerated in Griffith. Through the professionalism and dedication of our officers and detectives, this department remains committed to public safety and protecting the residents we serve.”

— Griffith Police Department

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Atrailu Moore at a hearing later this week.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved safety measures and community-police cooperation to protect small business owners and prevent senseless acts of violence in commercial areas.