Cory Brian Sternberg, 45, of Portage, has been charged in Porter County after police allege he threatened a Portage police officer, drove while intoxicated with a juvenile passenger in his pickup truck, and resisted officers during his arrest. 

According to court documents, officers responded at approximately 3:38 p.m. on June 27 after receiving a report of a verbal disturbance involving a red Ford F-150 leaving the 2200 block of Sandwood Street in Portage. Investigators allege Sternberg was driving the truck with a passenger under the age of 18. Officers reported observing signs of intoxication, including the odor of an alcoholic beverage, slow and slurred speech, red and watery eyes, poor manual dexterity, an unsteady balance, and a verbally abusive demeanor. Court documents state Sternberg refused standardized field sobriety tests and later provided two certified breath samples measuring 0.204 and 0.206, more than twice Indiana’s legal limit.  

According to court documents, while being booked at the Portage Police Department, Sternberg allegedly attempted to provoke officers into a confrontation. After an officer refused, Sternberg allegedly stated, “I’ll bite your dick off.” 

Court records also allege Sternberg threatened a woman at the residence by saying he would tear her house apart while throwing items and slamming doors. Investigators allege he then charged toward her with both fists raised, causing her to believe he was about to strike her.  

Charges filed June 29,2026:

Intimidation – Committed Because of the Victim’s Occupation (Level 6 Felony)

Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Endangering a Person Less Than 18 Years Old (Level 6 Felony)

Operating a Vehicle With an Alcohol Concentration Equivalent of .15 or More (Class A Misdemeanor)

Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Class C Misdemeanor)

Intimidation (Class A Misdemeanor)

Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A Misdemeanor)