Two Men Charged After Fleeing Police, Found Near Stolen Gun in Hammond
According to court documents, two 19-year-old men have been charged after fleeing from police and being found soaked in a backyard where officers recovered two handguns—one of which had been reported stolen.
On April 23, 2025, around 2:41 p.m., a Hammond police officer responded to a report of two males in black clothing looking into vehicles near the area of Kennedy Avenue and 162nd Street. As the officer approached, both individuals fled on foot through alleys and over fences.
Police established a perimeter and located Rashod D. Parker nearby. He was taken into custody without further incident. Officers confirmed Parker had an active warrant. At the time of his arrest, Parker was out on bond in a separate felony case filed in August 2024, in which he is charged with domestic battery in the presence of a child under 16, domestic battery, and criminal mischief.
The second suspect, Amari A. Anderson, was found lying in a backyard within the search area. Officers noted he was soaked and smelled of stagnant water. In the same yard, police recovered a black FN 509 pistol and a Glock 23 Gen 4 .40 caliber handgun near a pond.
The Glock’s serial number matched a firearm reported stolen on April 19, 2025, from a vehicle parked at a residence in the 6700 block of Montana Avenue in Hammond. According to court documents, the gun’s owner told police he did not give anyone permission to enter his vehicle or remove the firearm.
Both individuals were taken into custody at the scene.
On April 29, 2025, both suspects were formally charged with:
Amari A. Anderson was charged with:
- Theft (of a firearm) – Level 5 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
Rashod Deshawn Parker was charged with:
- Theft (of a firearm) – Level 5 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
As of May 23, 2025, both Anderson and Parker are lodged in the Lake County Jail.
