Willie Mortel Walker III, 35, of Hammond, has been charged in connection with an alleged road rage shooting that left another driver wounded in the leg, according to newly filed court documents.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the shooting occurred at approximately 11:42 p.m. on October 3, 2025, on Calumet Avenue between Thornton Street and Carroll Street in Hammond.
Court documents state the victim told investigators he was traveling southbound on Calumet Avenue behind a truck in the inside lane while crossing the bridge between Michigan Street and Sibley Street. The victim said he performed a lane change into the outside lane and cut in front of a white vehicle he believed to be a Ford. After both vehicles continued through the Sibley Street intersection, the white vehicle moved into the inside lane and pulled alongside the victim. The driver allegedly asked, “Are you good?” The victim replied, “Yeah, I’m good, are you good?” Investigators allege the driver then pointed a handgun across his female passenger and fired multiple shots into the victim’s vehicle, striking him in the left calf.
Police said the wounded driver continued to a McDonald’s on Columbia Avenue, where he called 911. Officers located multiple bullet holes in the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle, and the victim was transported for medical treatment. According to court records, the victim later told investigators the bullet remained lodged in his calf.
Investigators used city surveillance cameras and license plate reader technology to identify a white Ford Fusion allegedly involved in the shooting. Court documents state the vehicle was registered to Walker. Detectives later presented the victim with an updated photo lineup, and the victim positively identified Walker as the alleged shooter.
Court records also state Walker was stopped by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department on October 5, 2025, after allegedly driving 115 mph on Interstate 80/94. During an inventory search of the vehicle, deputies reported locating a loaded Glock 19 handgun. Investigators also determined Walker had a prior felony conviction that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Walker was lodged in the Lake County Jail on October 7, 2025.
Charges filed July 24, 2026:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon — Level 4 Felony
Criminal Recklessness (Shooting Into an Occupied Vehicle) — Level 5 Felony
Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony
Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury — Level 5 Felony
Other Pending Case (Filed October 7, 2025):
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon — Level 4 Felony
Reckless Driving — Class C Misdemeanor
