Nathan Pearson White, 44, of Portage, has been charged after Portage police alleged he threatened another driver with a baseball bat during a dispute over a parking space before officers later recovered THC vape products and synthetic urine from his vehicle.

According to court documents, the incident occurred around 5:33 p.m. on July 11 in the 2500 block of Portage Mall. Police said the confrontation began after an argument over a parking space.

Investigators allege White exited his vehicle while brandishing a baseball bat and began yelling at the other driver. Court documents state the victim attempted to leave the parking lot, but White allegedly ran around the south side of the business and cut him off with the bat still in hand. The victim then stopped his vehicle and called 911.

According to court records, White then ran toward the victim while holding the baseball bat and repeatedly told him to “come and talk to him.” The victim told officers he feared White would strike him with the bat. Investigators reviewed surveillance video from a nearby McDonald’s on Central Avenue, which police said corroborated the victim’s account of the confrontation.

During an inventory search of White’s black 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, officers allegedly recovered multiple THC vape products, including a Honey Stick “dab pen” containing a THC vape cartridge in the center console, a HITZ Blue Dream THC vape in a cup holder, a Ripz 2G Strawberry Gelato THC vape from a bag reportedly discarded near a dumpster, and additional THC vape packaging inside the SUV. Investigators later determined the products contained an estimated total of approximately five grams of THC.

Police also discovered a bottle of synthetic urine inside the vehicle’s center console. According to court documents, the bottle was wrapped in a hand warmer with its temperature strip intentionally left exposed. Officers also recovered packaging for the product branded “UPASS,” which investigators said is marketed to help users pass drug and alcohol screening tests. It was later learned White is employed as a tree cutter for NIPSCO, is subject to workplace drug testing, and is currently in the process of obtaining his commercial driver’s license while actively attending CDL classes.

Lodged in the Porter County Jail.

Charges Filed July 13, 2026:

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

Possession of Marijuana – Prior Drug Conviction — Class A Misdemeanor

Possession of a Device or Substance Used to Interfere with a Drug or Alcohol Screening Test — Class B Misdemeanor