PORTAGE, Ind. (AP) — A former Hammond and Gary police officer facing financial problems has been charged with the murder of the mother of three of his children.

Portage police arrested 31-year-old Kevin Campbell of Hobart on Thursday and charged him in connection with the slaying of 30-year-old Tiara Thomas of Portage.

An affidavit alleges Campbell shot Thomas on the morning of Nov. 18 before taking their children to school.

The affidavit says phone records indicated Campbell and Thomas argued over nearly $1,500 in child support that he paid and that creditors were calling him.

The (Munster) Times reports Hammond’s police chief fired Campbell last week after investigators identified him as a person of interest in a Portage homicide. He joined the Hammond force in January after more than three years with Gary police.