Lake County

EAST CHICAGO — Two 19-year-old men are facing multiple felony charges after three teenagers were allegedly lured to an East Chicago apartment through an Instagram transaction involving a PlayStation 5, where they were threatened at gunpoint, assaulted, and robbed.

According to East Chicago Police Chief Jose Rivera, the armed robbery occurred on November 13, 2026, at an apartment located in the 4700 block of Magoun Avenue.

Police identified the suspects as Jason Ortiz, 19, of Crown Point, and Izrael Franco, 19, of Hammond.

Investigators said the three teenage victims, all Hammond residents, had arranged to purchase a PlayStation 5 through Instagram. When they arrived at the apartment, they were confronted by multiple armed individuals.

The suspects allegedly threatened the teenagers with firearms, physically assaulted them, and stole jewelry, cellphones, cash, clothing, and other personal belongings.

One of the victims reported being repeatedly struck in the head with a shotgun during the robbery.

East Chicago Police credited the department’s Patrol Division with quickly identifying and apprehending two suspects following the incident.

Both Ortiz and Franco are being held on probable cause and face the following charges, according to police:

  • Three counts of Level 3 felony armed robbery
  • Three counts of Level 3 felony robbery resulting in bodily injury
  • Three counts of criminal confinement
  • One count of Level 4 felony criminal confinement
  • Three counts of Level 5 felony battery by means of a deadly weapon
  • Three counts of Level 5 felony intimidation

Police have not released additional information regarding the other armed individuals reportedly involved in the robbery.

Chief Rivera praised the responding officers for their quick response, coordinated efforts, and investigative work that led to the arrests.

Following the incident, East Chicago Police are reminding residents about the dangers of arranging purchases through social media platforms, particularly when meeting strangers at private residences.

The department encourages residents to conduct online marketplace transactions at the East Chicago Police Department, which offers designated parking spaces monitored by security cameras for safer exchanges.

The investigation remains ongoing.

All charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.