Timothy Lee Gaffney, of Lake Station, was charged in connection with an alleged machete attack that occurred inside a residence in the 4400 block of Park Avenue on July 4.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Lake Station Police were dispatched at approximately 11:20 a.m. after a 911 caller reported he had awakened to someone stabbing him and was holding the suspect until officers arrived.  

Court records allege responding officers found the victim walking into the living room while holding a machete. The man was bleeding from a large cut to his left forearm, an injury near his right eye, and several other cuts. He immediately dropped the machete when ordered and directed officers to a bedroom, where they located Gaffney sitting on a bed.  

According to investigators, the victim said he had been asleep in his bedroom when someone kicked in his locked bedroom door. He told police he awoke to find Gaffney standing over him with a machete. The victim alleged Gaffney repeatedly swung the machete while yelling, “I’m gonna kill you!” He told investigators he was struck several times before wrestling the machete away. When he heard officers arrive, he walked into the living room carrying the weapon before dropping it at officers’ command.  

The victim later told investigators he had moved into the home about five or six months earlier to serve as caretaker for an elderly resident suffering from dementia. According to court records, he said Gaffney had originally been expected to provide that care but was not doing so. The victim also said he routinely locked his bedroom door because he was afraid of Gaffney. Investigators reported the crime scene was consistent with the victim’s account.  

According to the affidavit, Gaffney initially claimed he had gone to get a cigarette from the elderly resident when the victim attacked him. He admitted he had been carrying the machete behind his back and claimed he believed the victim had a gun. When investigators asked why he approached while armed with the machete, he did not answer.  

Court records state Gaffney later admitted he had lied during his first interview. He reportedly told detectives he remembered going to sleep and then finding himself standing over the victim with a machete. He also stated he may have heard fireworks or experienced a PTSD episode before the incident. Investigators further noted Gaffney’s clothing appeared to have significant amounts of blood on it that did not appear to have come from him.  

Charges filed July 6, 2026:

Attempted Murder — Level 1 Felony

Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony

Intimidation While Drawing or Using a Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony