Latoya Arki Horton, 25, of Gary, is facing charges after police say she battered her girlfriend, refused to let her exit a vehicle, and drove recklessly through the area with children inside, according to court records.
Officers were dispatched around 12:10 p.m. on April 6 to the area of 24th Avenue and Virginia Street for a reported disturbance. Court documents state Horton’s girlfriend called 911 and reported she was being battered while inside a silver Mercedes and was not being allowed to exit the vehicle.
According to the affidavit, Horton’s girlfriend remained on the phone with dispatch while providing updates on their location as the vehicle traveled through Gary. She reported Horton continued to hit her, stating her eye was bleeding and her lip was busted. The caller also advised that three children were inside the vehicle as Horton drove recklessly through multiple streets, at times exceeding speeds of 80 mph.
Police allege the vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run crash around 12:16 p.m. near Ridge Road and Harrison Street, where a silver Mercedes fled the scene.
Officers later located the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near 24th Avenue and Virginia Street before initiating a stop. According to the affidavit, Horton was identified as the driver and her girlfriend was located in the back seat with three children.
Police reported Horton was irate and attempted to prevent her girlfriend from speaking. After exiting the vehicle, Horton’s girlfriend told officers Horton grabbed her dreadlocks, ripping some out, and punched her multiple times following an argument that began after leaving a hotel in Merrillville. She stated she moved to the back seat in an attempt to escape the attack.
Officers reported observing injuries including bruising around both eyes, a laceration, missing dreadlocks, and a bleeding lip. Police also observed blood on a towel inside the vehicle, dreadlocks on the floorboard, and open alcohol containers.
The affidavit states three children were inside the vehicle, including two 6-year-old twins and one 8-year-old child. None of the children were secured in booster seats or car seats. The children were later released to a family member, and Child Protective Services was notified.
Police further determined Horton had never been issued a driver’s license. The incident, from the initial 911 call to the vehicle stop, lasted approximately 15 minutes, according to court documents.
Charges filed April 8,2026:
• Criminal Confinement – Level 6 Felony
• Domestic Battery Committed in the Presence of a Child Less Than 16 Years Old – Level 6 Felony
• Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony (3 counts)
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License – Misdemeanor
