Chicago Man Violates Protective Order, Faces Felony for Threatening Officer
A Chicago man is facing felony charges after allegedly kicking in the door of his ex-girlfriend’s Gary apartment in violation of a protection order and later threatening to kill a police officer during his arrest.
According to court documents, around 12:11 a.m. on July 26, 2025, officers with the Gary Police Department were dispatched to an apartment in the 1500 block of West 5th Avenue in response to a reported domestic disturbance. The woman at the residence told officers that her ex-boyfriend, Darius J. Clay, had shown up uninvited and kicked in her front door before entering the apartment.
Once inside, Clay allegedly began breaking items, including several cups, and attempted to hit the woman. She stated he did not strike her but fled on foot after the confrontation. She estimated the damage to her front door at $300 and the cups at $20.
The responding officer noted that a non-expiring active protection order was on file against Clay. The order required him to stay away from the woman’s residence, property, school, or place of employment. It had originated under a prior court case and remained valid.
Shortly after officers left the scene, the woman called 911 again to report that Clay had returned and was standing outside her back door. Officers located Clay at the rear of the building. When questioned, he denied anything had occurred and claimed the protection order had been dismissed in court.
Officers returned to the apartment and observed fresh shoe prints on the back door, damage to the door frame consistent with forced entry, a set of speakers knocked over, and a broken bathroom mirror the woman said Clay had punched. A cut on Clay’s hand matched the injury she described.
After being informed he was under arrest, Clay reportedly became loud and aggressive, pulling away during handcuffing. After being transported to the police station, his behavior escalated. Inside the booking area, he pulled away again, had to be assisted against a wall, and then made threats to the police officer. Clay stated “he was going to kill me and he had something for me when he got out.”
Charges filed July 26, 2025, against Darius J. Clay:
• Residential Entry – Level 6 Felony
• Intimidation – Committed because of victim’s occupation (law enforcement) – Level 6 Felony
Clay is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
