Codie Lee McMahon, 37, of Valparaiso, is facing multiple charges after police said he broke into another man’s camper at a Chesterton campsite, attacked the resident and later fought with officers attempting to detain him.
According to court documents, Porter County Sheriff’s Department officers responded around 1:30 p.m. July 29 to a campsite in Chesterton after a man reported that an unknown male had broken into his camper and attacked him.
When police arrived, an officer reported seeing McMahon outside the camper attempting to get through the now-locked door. Police described McMahon’s behavior as erratic, saying he threw a portable grill, hit a picnic table with his hands and then tried to enter the camper again.
According to the probable cause affidavit, McMahon then began eating grass and dirt and was not responding to the officer’s questions or requests. Police said McMahon ultimately tried to strike the officer and had to be tased more than once as he continued attempting to grab, bite and resist.
The camper’s resident told police McMahon had entered his camper uninvited, went to the kitchen faucet and broke it. When the resident attempted to get McMahon out, McMahon allegedly shoved him down, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on a set of stairs leading to the bedroom.
According to court documents, the resident suffered a large laceration and complained of pain to his hip and feet. A separate battery affidavit describes the injuries as a laceration to the back of his head, hip pain and bruising, and foot pain.
Police said McMahon continued resisting while officers attempted to detain him. The affidavit states McMahon attempted to punch an officer and was tased. Police said he did not follow orders to remain on the ground and attempted to grab and bite the officer, resulting in another Taser deployment. McMahon allegedly continued attempting to grab and bite officers while stiffening his arms in an effort to avoid being handcuffed.
During the investigation, a woman identified as McMahon’s girlfriend arrived and told police she believed McMahon had been using narcotics after returning home and finding the interior of her camper in disarray. She told police McMahon had been living with her in the camper since April and allowed officers to search the residence.
Police reported finding a burnt spoon and a syringe containing a small amount of liquid. Later, while the woman was cleaning the camper and gathering McMahon’s belongings, she reportedly found a small plastic bag underneath a laundry basket containing a white powdery substance. Police collected the substance and said it tested positive for cocaine.
Court documents also state an active no-contact order prohibited McMahon from having contact with the woman. Police alleged McMahon had been living with her in the camper since April.
Lodged in the Porter County Jail on August 8, 2026.
Charges filed July 31, 2026:
Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury — Level 6 Felony
Possession of Cocaine, less than 5 grams — Level 6 Felony
Residential Entry — Level 6 Felony
Invasion of Privacy — Class A Misdemeanor
Resisting Law Enforcement — Class A Misdemeanor
Disorderly Conduct — Class B Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia — Class C Misdemeanor
Criminal Vandalism — Class B Misdemeanor
