Man Charged After Telling Police He Broke Into Hammond Home “To Write About Dinosaurs”
Hammond-A 54-year-old man identified as Michael Wayne Fentress has been charged after allegedly breaking into a Hammond home and telling officers he did so to write about dinosaurs.
According to the affidavit, a Hammond officer was dispatched around 10:17 a.m. on October 29, 2025, to the 3000 block of Crane Place for a report of a trespasser. Dispatch advised that the suspect was wearing a gray hoodie and jeans. While officers were on their way, another officer reported locating someone matching the description near Janet Place, identified as Michael Fentress, whom officers knew from previous encounters.
Police say Fentress told them, “I went in through the window of the house to write about dinosaurs,” admitting he had entered the home without permission.
When the homeowner arrived, he reportedly found Fentress asleep on the couch inside the residence. The affidavit states a window screen on the north side of the house had been removed, the window was open, and the front door was broken. The homeowner said neither had been damaged previously and requested charges.
Officers detained Fentress, searched him, and transported him to the Hammond City Jail without further incident. An evidence technician photographed the window and door.
Charges filed October 30, 2025:
• Residential Entry – Level 6 Felony
• Criminal Trespass – Class A Misdemeanor
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
