Highland Man Arrested After Police Find Stolen SUV, Loaded Handgun, And Meth Pipe In East Chicago
A 25-year-old Highland man, Anthony Acuna, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following a January 9, 2026 arrest in East Chicago after police located him inside a stolen vehicle with a loaded handgun and suspected methamphetamine paraphernalia, according to court records.
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers were dispatched to the area of Magoun Avenue and West Chicago Avenue in East Chicago after a caller reported a suspicious maroon SUV parked next to a building. When officers arrived, they observed a red Hyundai SUV running with its lights on in the parking lot of 901 West Chicago Avenue. A license plate check returned to a different vehicle, prompting further investigation.
Police reported that Acuna was found shirtless in the driver’s seat with his head hanging down and appeared to be asleep. Officers attempted to turn off the vehicle but observed that the steering column was damaged, making it unsafe. When officers opened the driver’s door and gave loud, clear commands for Acuna to exit, he allegedly began to awaken, balled his fists, tensed his muscles, and forcefully pulled his arm away from officers.
As officers attempted to remove Acuna from the vehicle, one officer observed a black handgun between the driver’s seat and the center console. Police stated Acuna made movements with his arm as if attempting to reach for the firearm while continuing to resist. The handgun was secured by officers before Acuna was fully removed from the vehicle.
Officers reported Acuna continued to resist commands to get on the ground and attempted to pull away. After verbal commands failed, a department-issued Taser was deployed. Police stated Acuna eventually said, “I’m done,” and was taken into custody and placed in hand restraints.
A VIN check confirmed the SUV had been reported stolen out of Highland, and a woman later confirmed she had not given permission for the vehicle or license plate to be taken. Police also reported locating a pipe containing residue that field-tested positive for methamphetamine inside the vehicle. The handgun was identified as a Sig Sauer P365 9mm, and officers removed a round from the chamber for safety.
Court records further indicate Acuna has a prior conviction for Domestic Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, making him a serious violent felon under Indiana law, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm.
Charges filed January 10,2026:
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon – Level 4 Felony
• Auto Theft (Theft of Entire Motor Vehicle) – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine (less than 5 grams) – Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Paraphernalia / Introducing a Controlled Substance Into the Body – Class C Misdemeanor
