Attempted Armed Robbery and Assault Reported at Schererville Nail Salon
A man was arrested following a violent confrontation at Avalon Nails in Schererville on the afternoon of Saturday, May 3, 2025, that left one woman pepper-sprayed and another pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
According to court documents, officers responded to reports of a man with a gun at the salon, located at 120 Indianapolis Boulevard, shortly after 3:00 p.m. Witnesses reported that the suspect, later identified as 61-year-old Steve Lam Ha of Indiana, confronted employees inside the business, displayed what appeared to be a firearm, and pepper-sprayed a female staff member in the face.
Police say Ha fled the scene in a silver Lexus, striking a pedestrian in the parking lot before being stopped and detained by Highland Police officers near U.S. 41 and Ramblewood Drive. The pepper spray canister, along with gloves and a face mask used during the incident, were later recovered from his vehicle.
During interviews, the victim reported Ha threatened to kill her over an alleged debt, pointed a black object she believed was a gun in her face, and struck her before using the pepper spray. A bystander attempted to intervene and was struck by Ha’s vehicle as he tried to block the suspect from fleeing.
Ha later admitted to police that he went to Avalon Nails in an attempt to collect a $3,000 debt he claims is owed to him by the business owner. He denied possessing a firearm but confirmed using pepper spray. He was taken into custody and transported to the Schererville Police Department. Ha is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Ha faces charges including:
Armed Robbery-Taking property by force or threatening use of force while armed
(Attempt to Commit) – Level 3 Felony
Robbery Resulting in Bodily Injury-Robbery where someone other than a defendant
(Attempt to Commit) – Level 3 Felony
Intimidation: Defndant draws or uses a deadly weapon – Level 5 Felony
2 Counts of Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon – Level 5 Felony
Intimidation: Threat to commit a forcible felony – Level 6 Felony
The investigation is ongoing.
