Gary Housing Authority Executive Director Taryl Bonds is apologizing for the situation in which he was charged with two counts of strangulation and two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery but claims the situation isn’t what it seems.
Bonds on Wednesday issued a statement via email apologizing to the agency he leads. He was arrested June 20 for the incident.
“I extend my deepest apologies for the embarrassment experienced by the Gary Housing Authority as a result of a personal family matter,” Bonds said. “Most importantly, I regret the negative impact that this situation has had on my family, friends and loved ones.”
The incident, however, was “the result of an unfortunate disagreement between me and (a person living in his home)” and “has not been accurately portrayed publicly.”
“I am a father who wholeheartedly embraces my role as the leader and protector of my family and household,” Bonds said. “Moreover, I accept all of the responsibilities and challenges that inevitably come with parenting in this day and with this generation.
“We ask that everyone be patient and not rush to judgment. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers while respecting our privacy as we navigate this difficult time.”
Police responded to a house in the 2300 block of Ellsworth around 1:50 a.m. Jun 20 and were greeted by the complainant and another person, according to a probable cause affidavit. Bonds was sitting in a chair drinking a glass of water, records said.
One of the victims said they were cooking food — of which they and Bonds have argued about before — and were once again arguing when the second victim came downstairs to see what the commotion was, court records said. The second victim got in between the two, but Bonds eventually pushed them out of the way and wrapped his hands around the first victim’s neck, records said.
Officers were able to see marks on the first victim’s neck as well as scrapes on their knees that happened when they fell as Bonds was attacking them, records said.
Officers then spoke to the second victim, who said Bonds slammed them to the floor and choked them as well. The second victim also had marks on their neck as well as bruises on their upper arms, records said.
Bonds was arrested without incident and was held on a $30,000 bond/$3,000 surety; court records show he bonded out June 23. His initial court appearance — when a No Contact Order will be discussed — is scheduled for July 7, according to court records.
Bonds has served as the GHA executive director since February 2021, after the troubled agency emerged from eight years of federal oversight. He’s also served as a South Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau board member since July 2021.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.