Cliffton John Gasner, 50, of Crown Point, was arrested after St. John Police alleged he fired a handgun from his porch while officers were investigating reports of gunshots in the area.

According to court documents, St. John Police officers were dispatched around 2:36 a.m. August 15 to the area of West 93rd Avenue and Blaine Street for a report of several gunshots. A power outage was affecting the majority of homes in the area, and an officer used his patrol vehicle’s spotlight while searching the area.

The officer reported seeing Gasner standing on a porch as he drove past. After turning around, the officer approached again in a fully marked patrol vehicle with red and blue emergency lights activated. The officer said Gasner appeared to be holding an object near his chest, and as he passed the residence, he heard a single gunshot coming from the area of the front yard. When the officer directed his spotlight back toward the residence, he reported seeing Gasner still standing alone on the porch.

Additional officers arrived and Gasner briefly went inside before returning with his hands up. When asked if he had fired any guns, Gasner allegedly replied, “of course, what I cant do that.” Police described Gasner as appearing heavily intoxicated and irritated by their presence.

After officers explained they were investigating reports of gunshots, Gasner allegedly stated, “this is America, I can do that,” and said he had only been firing in his backyard. When an officer told Gasner he had been standing on the front porch when the last shot was fired, Gasner allegedly replied, “I’m sorry, ok.” Gasner told officers he had been firing a “9 M&P” and said he was home alone.

According to the affidavit, Gasner admitted he was intoxicated and said he was going through a recent divorce. He stated he was “a little angry today” but did not want to talk about it. After being detained, Gasner allegedly stated, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have shot that one off when you guys pulled up,” calling it “disrespectful,” while also stating he thought it was “his right.”

Police said Gasner later became argumentative and denied firing in his front yard. When an officer again explained that police were there because he had allegedly fired a gun while officers were in front of the house, Gasner reportedly replied, “so what dude.”

Officers reported finding numerous spent 9mm casings near the back porch and seeing what appeared to be a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun on a countertop through a rear window. After obtaining a search warrant, police seized the handgun, a spent casing from the kitchen floor, several casings from the backyard and live ammunition.

Gasner was transported to the Lake County Jail. 

Charges filed August 17, 2026:

• Criminal Recklessness Committed With a Deadly Weapon — Level 6 Felony