Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail

The Lake County Council confirmed Thursday the sheriff has been awarded $563,168 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Port Security Grant Program.

"The commissioners do not have the authority to regulate the use of e-cigarettes in the county jail because that power is entrusted in the sheriff's office," the court said.

Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. is asking Indiana's highest court to dismiss a criminal indictment accusing him of felony resisting law enforcement and misdemeanor reckless driving.

A Merrillville man is facing a murder charge in connection with the beating death of a 36-year-old woman last month in her Winfield home, police said.

"If you have any information about these overdose deaths, please call 911."

MERRILLVILLE — Police have released surveillance images of a man sought in the wake of a theft and damage to an ATM at a local bank.

Antoinette "Toni" Michelle Prieto was arrested Feb. 16 after allegedly setting fire to her co-worker Glenda Bush's car, according to the probable cause affidavit. 

"He used a fake name and fake ID," police said.

Jermaine Martin was charged with murder, three counts of attempted murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury and unlawful carrying of a handgun in connection to a fatal shooting in August.

Terry Thomas, 23, of Gary was sentenced to 40 years in connection with the death of Ivana Jenkins, who was shot at a Gary gas station in June 2021. 

"None of the three children were properly restrained in child safety seats," police said.

50-year-old Darryl Dewayne Johnson was arrested Monday on the charges of strangulation, interference with reporting of a crime and criminal mischief. 

24-year-old Leon Taylor will serve 60 years in the Department of Corrections per a plea agreement. The agreement also stipulates that all of his other charges will be dismissed. 

Taryn Duis worked as nurse at Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point until she was fired in 2019, which she claimed was because she was pregnant. 

Donald Chapman, 20, of Merrillville, was found unresponsive in his jail cell by correctional officers March 1, according to Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr.

The last report came March 1 when police said investigators believed the death, which has been ruled a homicide, was an isolated situation.

Officers pursued the woman north on Randolph Street where she collided with a pickup truck after entering U.S. 30 against the traffic light, according to police.

Jesus A. Alba, 32, was arrested Wednesday after the 14-year-old whom he serves as legal guardian for shot another teenager with Alba's gun. 

Chicago defense attorney Jonathan S. Bedi argued in a court memorandum that the federal law prohibiting felons from possessing firearms violates the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment.

The Republican was picked up around 11 p.m. by a Winfield police officer responding to a report of a reckless driver, police said.

Cristian Braulio, 28, faces two attempted-murder and a slew of battery charges after he allegedly stabbed his parents Sunday when they told him he couldn't use the car. 

The officers secured the area and sought backup from the Merrillville Tactical Apprehension Squad, the department reported.

"Due to his balance being very poor the decision was made for him not to do the one leg stand," the officer said.

Darren Ferguson, 40, pleaded guilty to the voluntary manslaughter of Jullius Brooks on Friday in exchange for a shorter sentence. Ferguson was originally charged with murder. 

Glenn Keller, 34, was found guilty of murdering 27-year-old Shaquille Russell of Indianapolis.

The Gary Police Department continues to review its operating procedures, enhance technology and direct new resources toward solving violent crime, Maj. Chief Jerry Williams said at a press conference Friday.

One man was found dead in a residence on the 1700 block of Old Ridge Road after police and SWAT team officials arrived in response to reports of shots fired. 

The 16-year-old was charged with two counts of intimidation and one count of impersonating a public servant for allegedly posing as an FBI agent and telling police of fake active shooter threats. 

The 13-page plea agreement outlines the many crimes for which Antoine Jermell Gates is taking responsibility.

Conrad A. Kerr, 73, was charged Friday with neglect of a dependent and battery on a person younger than 14 years old.