Michael B. Hill, 36, of Lake Station, is facing felony charges in Porter County after police say he punched another man in the face during a confrontation at a Portage car show on April 25, 2026.
According to court documents, officers were dispatched around 10:00 p.m. to the Portage Police Department for a battery complaint. The victim told police he had been driving around Portage with his girlfriend when they noticed a car show taking place in the 3300 block of Willowcreek Road and decided to stop.
While speaking with people at the event, the victim reported that Hill arrived around 9:30 p.m. and immediately began a verbal altercation, accusing the victim of calling him a “bitch” from a prior altercation. The victim told police he had never met Hill before and had no knowledge of any prior interaction.
According to the affidavit, Hill then began asking the victim about tattoos on his arms. As the victim lifted his sleeves, Hill “proceeded to punch him in the face” and then left the scene.
The victim told police he was struck on the left side of his face with a closed fist. Officers observed bruising and marks forming on his cheek at the time.
Medical records later showed the victim suffered significant injuries, including two broken bones in his jaw.
Investigators also obtained screenshots of Facebook messages in which Hill reportedly apologized “if he had got the wrong guy,” stated he did not believe he made a mistake, and said he “would make it right if he got the wrong guy.”
Police used license plate reader data to track Hill’s vehicle, placing it in the Portage area at times consistent with the reported incident.
Lodged in the Porter County Jail on May 4,2026.
Charge filed May 1, 2026:
Battery Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury – Level 5 Felony
