A Lafayette, IN jailed on weapons charges in Vermilion County is considered a suspect in a fatal shooting in Hoopeston last month. But further details are being withheld by authorities.

44-year-old Carlos Suarez is labeled a suspect in a March 9 shooting that left 40-year-old Mark Eldridge of Hoopeston dead at a Hoopeston motel. Suarez is in jail with a $100,000 bond. He was arrested Wednesday on South 5th Street in Hoopeston in connection with a separate incident.

Police Chief Mark Drollinger said investigators believe Suarez was involved in the death of Eldridge. Drollinger said that investigation continues.

Wednesday night, Suarez was arrested for aggravated discharge of a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm and criminal damage to property.

Eldridge was found in a motel room just after 9 p.m. Eldridge had been staying in a nearby room.
Witnesses in the room reported seeing a man dressed in black enter and fire shots, striking Eldridge. An area resident chased the suspect to a dark-colored SUV, which drove off.

While police have released few other details, they have said they believe that . Eldridge was not the intended target.

94.1 WGFA