Man Arrested After Burglary at Speedway and Vandalism at Tobacco Store In Hammond
A man was arrested early June 30, 2025, following a burglary at a gas station and property damage at a nearby tobacco store, both located along Calumet Avenue.
According to court documents, police were dispatched around 1:25 a.m. to a Speedway gas station in the 6800 block of Calumet Avenue after security personnel observed a man breaking the front glass door and stealing items from inside. The suspect was described as a Black male wearing a black shirt with white lettering, a black jacket, and blue jeans.
Responding officers located a man matching the description walking northbound in the same block, carrying two unopened cases of Red Bull and several hats. He was detained and identified as Michael McCaskill, 65. McCaskill admitted to entering the Speedway and taking the items, claiming the door was already open.
Security footage showed a man arriving with a red gas can, smashing the front glass door with a blunt object, and entering the business. He was seen taking three cases of Red Bull, several hats, and attempting to grab snacks before exiting and walking away with the merchandise.
The store manager confirmed no one had permission to damage the door or remove merchandise.
Roughly 30 minutes earlier, surveillance video from Hammond Discount Tobacco in the 7400 block of Calumet Avenue showed a man throwing a rock through the store’s west window. The same man was later seen walking north toward the Speedway, carrying the rock and a red gas can. Damage to the window was estimated at $1,000. The store owner stated no one had permission to cause the damage.
The suspect in both incidents was identified as McCaskill. He was booked into the Hammond City Jail and is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed on June 30, 2025:
• Burglary — Level 5 Felony
• Theft — Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Mischief — (2 counts) Class B Misdemeanor
