Michigan City Man Charged with Gun, Drug, and Battery Offenses After Traffic Stop
A Michigan City man has been charged with multiple felonies after police say he resisted arrest, struck an officer, and was found in possession of a machine gun, cocaine, and marijuana during a traffic stop on May 24, 2025.
According to court documents, officers were investigating a shooting on Seymour Avenue when they identified a silver Jeep Compass believed to be connected to the incident. Just before 5 a.m., Michigan City police conducted a traffic stop near Grace Street. The driver, identified as 31-year-old Quonzee D. Merriweather, allegedly failed to stop at multiple stop signs and drove at a high rate of speed before stopping outside a residence.
According to court documents, Merriweather was immediately argumentative, repeatedly questioning the stop and refusing commands to exit the vehicle. When an officer reached through the window to open the door, Merriweather allegedly slapped the officer’s hand, pushed the door into the officer, and fled on foot. Officers deployed a taser and said Merriweather continued resisting commands before being restrained and taken into custody.
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a loaded 9mm Polymer 80 handgun equipped with an auto-sear conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch,” making it fully automatic. Police noted the firearm was located directly beneath the driver’s seat and positioned in a manner consistent with intentional placement by the driver.
According to court documents, Merriweather reportedly stated he was “not stepping out” of the vehicle and continued arguing with officers throughout the stop.
Also found in the vehicle were a half-smoked marijuana blunt, an open THC/CBD-infused beverage, a face mask, and two cellphones. While being booked, a small bag containing 1.8 grams of cocaine was discovered in Merriweather’s pants pocket.
Police noted that Merriweather has a prior conviction for dealing cocaine in 2014, classifying him as a serious violent felon under Indiana law.
Charges were filed on May 27, 2025.
Charges:
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, Level 4 Felony
- Possession of a Machine Gun, Level 5 Felony
- Possession of Cocaine (under 5g), Level 6 Felony
- Battery Against a Public Safety Official, Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement (forcibly resists/obstructs), Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor
Merriweather is currently lodged in the LaPorte County Jail.
