Merrillville Man Charged After Allegedly Impersonating A Police Officer At Gary Business
Gary- A 57-year-old Merrillville man, David John Purdue, has been charged in Lake County, following an incident inside Tiny’s Coffee Bar in Gary where he allegedly pretended to be a police officer and acted as though he was armed.
On November 13, 2025, just after 10 a.m., Gary police were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of South Lake Street regarding a disturbance involving a customer refusing to leave. When officers arrived, they observed an employee holding a man on the ground outside the entrance.
According to court documents, the employee told police that Purdue had previously been trespassed from the coffee shop but returned that morning and appeared intoxicated. Purdue allegedly sat at the bar but refused to show identification when asked, and the employee informed him no service would be provided without ID. Purdue reportedly refused to leave.
The employee stated that Purdue then claimed he was a police officer. When asked to show police identification, Purdue allegedly refused. According to the affidavit, Purdue twice reached into his coat pocket in a way the employee believed indicated he was pulling out a firearm. Fearing for his safety and the safety of others, the employee reported grabbing Purdue’s arm, stopping him from reaching further, checking for weapons, and restraining him outside until officers arrived.
Police spoke with Purdue, who admitted he refused to provide identification, acknowledged claiming he was a police officer because he said he had been “on the force for 40 years,” and confirmed he acted as if he had a gun to “psych him out” and intimidate the employee into allowing him to remain inside the business.
Purdue was taken into custody and transported to the Gary Police Department.
Charges filed November 14,2025:
• Impersonation of a Public Servant – Level 6 Felony
• Criminal Trespass – Class A Misdemeanor
• Intimidation – Class A Misdemeanor
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on November 13,2025.
