PORTER, IN – A routine traffic stop Monday turned into a nerve-wracking stand-off. It all started when a Porter Police Officer tried to pull over a motorist with a broken tail-light and loud exhaust on Franklin Street.
The driver, identified as Gary Bolcerek, allegedly didn’t take kindly to the stop and reportedly reached for a weapon, causing the officer to call for backup. Other area Police Departments quickly responded to the scene.
In a dramatic turn of events, Bolcerek retreated to his garage, holding what reportedly appeared to be a black pistol. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation using less lethal methods like a “bean-bag” shotgun and a Taser, Bolcerek remained unyielding.
Eventually, after a struggle with several officers, Bolcerek surrendered by throwing down his firearm. He was taken to a nearby medical facility for evaluation before being charged with Intimidation, Battery to Law Enforcement, and Resisting Law Enforcement, all felonies.
Surprisingly, the pistol turned out to be a BB gun, not an actual firearm. Bolcerek’s status of being out on bond for a prior violent crime resulted in his current detention without bond.
