Kaden M. Smith, 19, of East Chicago, has been charged after prosecutors allege he stole a customer’s backpack and pointed an AR-style pistol at the victim during a confrontation inside a Whiting White Castle.  

According to court documents, the incident occurred at approximately 4:11 p.m. on July 3 at the White Castle on Indianapolis Boulevard. Police were dispatched after receiving a report that a customer had pulled a firearm on another customer.  

Court records allege Smith was seated inside the restaurant when he grabbed another customer’s backpack and attempted to leave. The customer chased after him and the two struggled over the backpack. During the confrontation, Smith allegedly pulled out an AR-style pistol and pointed it at the victim, causing the victim to retreat back toward the restaurant while Smith fled the area.  

According to the probable cause affidavit, Hammond police officers later located a suspect matching the description and took him into custody without incident. Officers also recovered a Palmetto State Armory AR-15 pistol from nearby bushes. Court documents state the firearm had a live round chambered and was equipped with a 60-round magazine.  

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed July 4, 2026:

Armed Robbery (Level 3 Felony)

Pointing a Firearm at Another (Level 6 Felony)