Gary, IN – A Gary woman and her three children are safe following a tense early morning standoff involving her armed ex-boyfriend, who allegedly used a 15-month-old child as a human shield while barricading himself in a bathroom.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began just before 5 a.m. when the 25-year-old woman called 9-1-1 to report that her ex, a convicted felon, had entered her apartment in the 2400 block of West 45th Avenue with a handgun. She told police he had threatened to shoot both her and responding officers. A protective order was in place against the suspect.
Deputies and 9-1-1 personnel attempted communication while a SWAT team was dispatched. The woman exited with two children, ages 2 and 4, while the suspect remained inside with the baby. Officers say he was found hiding in a bathtub, holding the child to deter arrest. A Taser was used during the arrest.
The 31-year-old Crown Point man faces multiple charges, including criminal confinement, stalking, and domestic battery in the presence of a child. Authorities recovered a handgun from his vehicle.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that help is available for those facing domestic violence by calling (219) 755-3405 or 9-1-1 in emergencies.
