Damonte M. Hannah, 35, of Gary, was arrested after a clothing donation bin caught fire Sunday night near Jo’s Bar in Merrillville.

According to court documents, police were dispatched around 11:33 p.m. August 23 to the area of West 53rd Avenue and Adams Street for a reported fire.

Officers arrived to find a clothing and shoe donation bin, estimated to be worth approximately $1,500, fully engulfed in flames. A large amount of clothing was scattered around the bin as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

A witness told investigators he and his wife were walking east along West 53rd Avenue when he saw a man behind the donation bin loading clothing into a dark-colored backpack.

The witness said the man was crouching behind the bin when a fire appeared. The man then allegedly carried the backpack, clothing and what appeared to be a flat board into the parking lot of Jo’s Bar.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the man placed the items on a picnic table, changed into a gray sweatshirt and gray pants and gathered his belongings before walking away.

The witness alleged the man later reappeared and said, “Don’t snitch,” before walking north through an alley.

Police circulated a description and located Hannah near West 52nd Avenue and Broadway. The witness was transported to that location and immediately said, “That’s him,” according to court documents.

The witness also identified the backpack Hannah was carrying as the same one he allegedly saw near the donation bin.

Hannah was arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed August 24, 2026:

Arson With Intent to Defraud, Level 6 felony

Criminal Vandalism – Loss Between $750 and $50,000, Level A misdemeanor