Chicago Man Charged in Rail Yard Burglary After K9 Apprehension in Hammond
HAMMOND — Lamar Chambers, 43, of Chicago, is charged with burglary and theft after a Norfolk Southern Railroad Police K9 located him hiding in tall grass near a large amount of stolen retail merchandise removed from a freight container in the 11000 block of Indianapolis Boulevard.
According to investigators, Special Agents were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. on November 24 to a report of subjects “actively breaking into shipping containers” on Norfolk Southern tracks near the Coulhour Yard. When the officer arrived, he observed “multiple boxes of retail merchandise” scattered along the railroad right-of-way near 10950 Indianapolis Boulevard, and saw three subjects attempting to hide in tall grass before fleeing westbound across the boulevard toward nearby businesses.
As the officer returned to the first contact location with his K9 partner “King,” the dog’s behavior changed, indicating the presence of a person hiding in the grass. After the affiant issued several audible warnings, K9 King entered the tall grass and apprehended a subject later identified as Chambers by grabbing onto his clothing, the affidavit states. Responding Whiting Police officers assisted in handcuffing Chambers, and an ambulance was requested.
Investigators then inspected nearby rail cars and located a J.B. Hunt storage container on a railroad car with its seal missing, its door handles hanging, and one door forced open. A cut bolt seal was found on the ground. Multiple boxes had been removed without authorization from Norfolk Southern or J.B. Hunt.
Recovered goods belonging to Walmart Corporation included:
• 4 Push Around Buggies
• 3 Evenflo Exersaucers
• 6 Evenflo NurtureMax infant car seats
• 14 additional boxes of assorted retail items
Chambers was transported to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment. The affidavit notes abrasions to his right arm and hip but states that no puncture wounds were observed. He was medically cleared and transported to the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed November 25,2025:
• Burglary (Level 5 Felony)
• Theft — Value Between $750 and $50,000 (Level 6 Felony)
