Zachary David Tillman, 35, of Hobart, has been charged after an armed incident at a residence on North Guyer Street led to a police perimeter and Northwest Regional SWAT response.

Hobart Police responded to the residence at approximately 12:42 a.m. on October 1 for a reported verbal disturbance involving Tillman and a woman. Police received information that Tillman had threatened to shoot himself and said there would be a “shootout” if police arrived.

A 19-year-old witness and two minor children were inside the residence and told a 911 dispatcher they were too frightened to leave, according to the probable-cause affidavit. The children were instructed to secure themselves inside a locked bedroom while officers established a perimeter outside.

The residence had multiple camera systems, allowing the witness to provide police with real-time updates about Tillman’s movements. Hobart Fire Department personnel also deployed a drone that provided officers with live video as Tillman moved between the residence, garage, alley and surrounding area.

Police reported seeing Tillman holding what appeared to be a rifle while pacing behind the residence, while drone footage also appeared to show him holding a firearm. Tillman and the woman were monitored as they walked through the alley and surrounding neighborhood before returning to the residence.

Because of the ongoing threats and Tillman’s refusal to communicate with police, Northwest Regional SWAT was requested and assumed command of the incident.

The 19-year-old witness later told police that after Tillman went into the garage, she texted him asking where he was going. According to the affidavit, Tillman replied that he was going “to blow my fu**** head off respectfully.” The witness said she immediately called 911.

After Tillman saw police vehicles in the area, the witness alleged he said, “If anyone shows up there will be a shootout.” She then locked herself and the two minor children inside a bedroom until police were able to safely remove them.

The woman involved in the disturbance told investigators that Tillman had been accusing her of infidelity and became verbally aggressive during an argument. She said Tillman yelled at close range but did not physically touch her during that portion of the confrontation.

The woman said Tillman later went outside, where she observed a MAC-10-style firearm on the tailgate of a vehicle. She alleged Tillman followed her closely, causing her to fear for her safety, and pointed a firearm toward his chin after seeing police vehicles. She said he later pointed the firearm toward the side of his head after noticing the police drone.

According to court documents, the woman attempted to calm Tillman by suggesting they take a walk. She said Tillman left the MAC-10-style firearm in the garage but carried a holstered pistol and a box of ammunition during the walk.

After returning to the residence, the woman alleged Tillman removed additional firearms from a gun safe, loaded them and placed them on a table near the safe. She told investigators Tillman said, “If they come around here, I’m gonna kill them all,” while referring to law enforcement.

The woman further alleged that while she was with Tillman in the garage and walking with him outside at various times, he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her along in a hurried manner while telling her they had to leave because of police.

She told investigators Tillman was armed with a handgun and possessed various firearms during the period she said she was confined against her will. The woman said she did not feel free to leave and feared for her safety because she did not know whether Tillman would kill her or himself.

During their walks through the alley, the woman alleged Tillman pointed his firearm toward police positioned at the end of the alley and threatened to kill them. She said she attempted to discourage him.

The woman also told investigators that Tillman contacted his parents and accused them of notifying police. She alleged Tillman became angry, punched vehicles in the garage and said, “I know what I have to do.”

Shortly before Tillman was taken into custody, the woman said he made a statement that this was how he wanted to “go out” and that he wanted it to be with her. She told investigators she believed Tillman meant that he wanted to kill himself and her together.

The woman also reported Tillman pulled out a container and snorted a white substance. When Tillman went upstairs in the garage, she said she used the opportunity to leave, going down the side of the house and into the front yard for safety.

The affidavit states Tillman never threatened to harm the children during the incident. The woman also had no visible injuries as a result of allegedly being grabbed by the arms.

SWAT personnel eventually established contact with Tillman, while officers safely removed the 19-year-old witness and two minor children from the residence. Tillman was taken into custody without further incident, and the woman also exited safely.

Following the incident, officers recovered a total of 14 firearms, including 13 from various locations inside the residence and one from a neighboring yard south of the home that police believed Tillman had discarded during the incident. Police also recovered the MAC-10-style firearm described by the woman.

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed October 2,2026:

• Criminal Confinement While Armed With A Deadly Weapon — Level 3 felony
• Intimidation, Drawing Or Using A Deadly Weapon — Level 5 felony
• Intimidation, Threat To Commit A Forcible Felony — Level 6 felony