A security guard was shot and killed while escorting a group of patrons outside a south side night spot early Sunday morning, police said.

The Lake County coroner's office was called to The Community Hospital in Munster at 3:40 a.m. where Eric Lowe, 40, of Gary, was pronounced dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

The coroner's office ruled Lowe's death a homicide.

Several men were asked to leave McTavern's, in the 7400 block of Indianapolis Boulevard. after a dispute occurred shortly before 3 a.m., Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller said.

Lowe, a civilian working security for the establishment, was escorting the men to their cars outside when witnesses heard several gunshots, Miller said.

Co-workers found Lowe lying in the alley just north of the business, Miller said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Detective Lt. Zeke Hinojosa at (219) 852-2971.