Ty Ronn Lamarr Jones, 47, of Merrillville, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he struck a restaurant manager and fired a handgun outside a Popeye’s following a disturbance over a DoorDash order.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on April 20, 2026, at approximately 6:43 p.m. at a Popeye’s located in the 1500 block of East 82nd Avenue in Merrillville. Officers were initially dispatched for a disturbance and then received reports of shots fired.  

Court documents state Jones became upset inside the restaurant over an incomplete DoorDash order and began yelling and acting aggressively. The restaurant manager attempted to calm him down, but Jones allegedly struck the manager multiple times in the face, causing him to fall to the floor. A physical altercation followed before employees restrained Jones and then released him so he could leave.  

According to the affidavit, Jones then exited the business, went to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, and fired a round in the direction of the building before fleeing the scene. Witnesses told police they were in fear for their lives as the shot was fired toward the restaurant entrance area.  

Police later located the vehicle in the 9000 block of Broadway Avenue and conducted a traffic stop. Officers reported Jones was taken into custody without incident. Court documents state Jones admitted he had a handgun in the glove box of the vehicle.  

According to the affidavit, Jones told police he went inside the restaurant to order food and became upset after feeling disrespected. He claimed a verbal argument escalated and alleged he was attacked by multiple employees. Police said Jones admitted he retrieved a handgun and fired one round, stating it was “into the air.”  

Investigators later recovered a black Glock Model 43 9mm handgun from the glove compartment of the vehicle during the execution of a search warrant. Police also recovered a spent 9mm shell casing from the restaurant parking lot.  

Surveillance video reviewed by investigators reportedly showed Jones striking the manager inside the restaurant, followed by a struggle with employees. Video from outside the business showed Jones outside near the entrance before a single gunshot was fired toward the building, causing employees to drop to the ground.  

No injuries from the gunfire were reported, according to police.  

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed April 21,2026:

Criminal Recklessness — Level 5 Felony (Shooting a firearm into an occupied vehicle, inhabited dwelling or building)

Criminal Recklessness — Level 5 Felony (Shooting a firearm into an occupied vehicle, inhabited dwelling or building)

Criminal Recklessness — Level 5 Felony (Shooting a firearm into an occupied vehicle, inhabited dwelling or building)

Criminal Recklessness — Level 6 Felony (Committed with a deadly weapon)

Criminal Recklessness — Level 6 Felony (Committed with a deadly weapon)

Criminal Recklessness — Level 6 Felony (Committed with a deadly weapon)

Pointing a Firearm at Another — Level 6 Felony

Pointing a Firearm at Another — Level 6 Felony

Pointing a Firearm at Another — Level 6 Felony

Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury — Class A Misdemeanor

Battery — Class B Misdemeanor