AJ Julam Pingol, 32, of Portage, is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he shot a man outside a Chesterton residence and sent threatening messages beforehand indicating his intent to carry out the violence.  

According to the probable cause affidavit, officers with the Chesterton Police Department were dispatched around 12:27 a.m. on March 4, 2026, to a home in the 1100 block of Pam Drive for a reported shooting. The victim told dispatch that Pingol arrived at the residence in a blue Volkswagen and fired multiple rounds at him with what appeared to be a small caliber handgun.  

Officers later confirmed the victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the left shoulder. He initially refused treatment at the scene but later sought medical care.  

Investigators say evidence at the scene included multiple bullet fragments in the driveway and front porch area, along with damage to the garage door and brick siding consistent with gunfire.  

The affidavit states the victim reported being awakened by his daughter and discovering Pingol parked in the driveway. When confronted, Pingol allegedly said he was looking for a woman and her children. As the victim attempted to shut Pingol’s vehicle door, Pingol bit his finger, causing injuries.  

As the victim walked away, Pingol began backing out of the driveway before stopping in the roadway. The victim reported hearing multiple “pops” and observed Pingol leaning across the vehicle with his arm raised and pointed in his direction. One of the rounds struck the victim in the shoulder. The victim estimated Pingol fired approximately four shots.  

Court documents state the woman involved had fled her home due to ongoing domestic violence and threats. She displayed visible bruising and reported Pingol had strangled her multiple times in the days leading up to the shooting, causing difficulty breathing.  

Investigators also obtained text messages allegedly sent by Pingol prior to the incident, including statements that he was on his way to the residence and that “bullets gonna fly.” Authorities say the messages demonstrated premeditation.  

Police later located Pingol at his workplace and took him into custody. During a search of the location, officers found a handgun hidden inside an oven along with Pingol’s identification. Surveillance footage reportedly showed him placing the bag there after returning from the incident.  

During an interview with police, Pingol initially denied having a firearm but later admitted he possessed the gun and fired it three times from his vehicle. He claimed he fired toward the ground to scare the victim but acknowledged his actions were “stupid” and could have endangered people inside the residence, including children.  

Investigators say Pingol also admitted to previously threatening to kill the woman and choking her within the past week. Court documents further allege he attempted to contact the protected party from the Porter County Jail on multiple occasions, including March 7 and March 10, in violation of a no-contact order.  

Court documents indicate Pingol took multiple steps before the shooting, including arranging coverage for his work shift and driving approximately 15 minutes to the residence. After the incident, investigators discovered his internet search history included queries about potential sentences for attempted murder.  

Charges filed April 30,2026:

Attempted Murder (Level 1 Felony)

Aggravated Battery (Level 3 Felony)

Criminal Recklessness (Level 5 Felony)

Intimidation (Level 5 Felony)

Domestic Battery (Level 5 Felony)

Strangulation (Level 6 Felony)

Invasion of Privacy (2 counts, Class A Misdemeanor)