Shots Fired in Portage: Two Arrested After Late-Night Traffic Stop

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Portage, IN – Police arrested two men after responding to a report of shots fired Saturday night near Airport Road and Robbins Road.

According to the Portage Police Department, officers arrived around 10:40 p.m. after a caller reported seeing gunfire from a white sedan. The 47-year-old witness told police he had been tailgated while driving south on Airport Road. As he slowed to turn, the white vehicle passed him, and the driver allegedly fired several shots into the air. The witness left the area for safety but later provided a statement.

Officers found multiple shell casings near the intersection and began canvassing the neighborhood. Police requested local residents review surveillance footage and obtained descriptions of the suspect vehicle, identified as a white four-door sedan.

At approximately 12:10 a.m., a Porter County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a white Honda Civic near US Highway 6 and Willowcreek Road for traffic violations. Officers discovered two handguns with partially depleted magazines and a matching shell casing inside the vehicle. Evidence also indicated a firearm had recently discharged inside the car.

Police identified the driver as Caleb Downs, 23, and arrested him for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The passenger, Charles Vancleef, 24, was charged with unlawful carrying of a firearm. Additional charges, including criminal recklessness with a firearm and intimidation, were filed against both men.

No injuries or significant property damage occurred during the incident. Portage Police thanked the Porter County Sheriff’s Department and local residents for their assistance.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Detective Laura Lightfoot at 219-764-5725.

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