Jesse Roy Fernandez, 36, of Merrillville, is facing felony charges after Portage Police say he forced his way into a residence in the Camelot Estates area of Portage and violently attacked a man inside during an early morning incident.
According to court documents, officers were dispatched around 12:27 a.m. on May 25 after receiving reports of a disturbance at a residence in the 200 block of Camelot Estates. Investigators allege Fernandez arrived at the residence unannounced multiple times to make sure a female resident was not with other males and pushed his way through the front door while attempting to check if another male was inside the home.
Court documents state Fernandez allegedly located a man inside the residence and “viciously attacked” him. Investigators allege the man suffered a large laceration to the right eyebrow, a possible broken nose, and multiple cuts on his head, arms and hands, and reportedly lost consciousness twice during the attack.
Police also allege Fernandez shoved the female resident while forcing his way into the home, causing her pain.
During the investigation, officers also reportedly observed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, red and watery eyes, and unsteady balance. Court records state Fernandez allegedly registered a .130 BAC on a portable breath test and later registered a .132 BAC during a certified chemical breath test administered by police.
Lodged in the Porter County Jail.
Charges filed May 26, 2026:
- Burglary Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 2 Felony
- Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 5 Felony
- Domestic Battery, a Class A Misdemeanor
- Operating While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, a Class A Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle With an ACE of .08 or More, a Class C Misdemeanor
- Operating While Intoxicated, a Class C Misdemeanor
