Portage Man Arrested After Assaulting Grandfather, Stealing Vehicle
Portage police arrested a 19-year-old man Monday evening after he allegedly assaulted his grandfather and stole a vehicle from the family’s Jefferson Street residence.
According to police, officers were called around 6 p.m. on September 8, 2025, to the 1900 block of Jefferson Street for a report of a stolen red 2014 Nissan Sentra. The victim, identified as a 77-year-old grandfather, told officers his grandson, Jayden McCain, demanded the keys to his car. When he refused because he didn’t have a license, McCain allegedly threatened to kill him, struck him in the ribs, and forcibly took the keys before leaving in the vehicle.
The victim, who complained of rib pain, declined medical treatment. Family members told police McCain has a history of causing trouble at their home, often posting photos online with firearms and engaging in drug use.
Later that evening, at approximately 10:30 p.m., police were alerted by Flock camera technology that the stolen vehicle was in the area of U.S. 20 and County Line Road. Officers returned to the Jefferson Street residence, where they found the Nissan parked in the driveway with McCain inside.
When approached, McCain told officers there was a firearm in the vehicle. Police recovered a loaded Glock 20 handgun from the driver’s seat containing 16 rounds of ammunition. The gun was not reported stolen. McCain denied striking his grandfather or forcibly taking the keys but was taken into custody without further incident.
McCain was transported to the Porter County Jail. He faces multiple preliminary charges including:
- Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Level 6 Felony)
- Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)
- Domestic Battery (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Robbery Resulting in Bodily Injury (Level 3 Felony
