David Phillip Lee, 37, of Lake Station, was charged in Lake County after police alleged he spit on four officers, resisted arrest, and threatened an officer following a foot pursuit inside Southlake Mall.

According to court documents, at approximately 7:05 p.m. on June 30, Hobart Police were alerted by a Gary police officer who was pursuing Lee on foot inside Southlake Mall following a battery investigation that had occurred earlier. Police said Lee, an employee of Trend Setters, was seen running through the mall after exiting the JCPenney area.

Police established a perimeter around the mall and eventually located Lee hiding behind a locked door inside the Trend Setters business. According to the probable cause affidavit, Lee allegedly slammed the door shut as officers attempted to contact him. Police allege Lee refused repeated commands to get on the ground, forcibly pulled away as officers attempted to arrest him, and continued resisting after being taken to the ground.

According to court documents, while officers escorted Lee from the mall, he allegedly spit on one officer. Police further allege Lee continued pulling away and resisting before spitting on a second officer. As officers attempted to place him into a patrol vehicle, Lee allegedly resisted by using his legs to avoid getting inside, spit on two additional officers, and continued fighting despite repeated commands to comply.

According to the affidavit, during transport to the Lake County Jail, Lee allegedly threatened an officer by stating, “you will get shot” and “I’ll Shoot you.” Police also allege Lee continued resisting jail staff by fighting and spitting after arriving at the jail.

Charges filed July 2, 2026:

Battery Against a Public Safety Official, Level 6 Felony (4 counts)

Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor (2 counts)

Intimidation, Class A Misdemeanor 

Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor