Merrillville Man Charged After Alleged Gun Threat During Road Rage Incident
A 29-year-old Merrillville man, Travis Furi Filipiak, is facing multiple felony charges following an alleged road rage incident in which a firearm was reportedly pointed at a woman while her children were inside her vehicle.
According to court documents, the incident occurred at approximately 6:23 p.m. on November 22, 2025, in the area of West 66th Place and Jackson Street in Merrillville. Police were dispatched to the area for a reported weapon offense.
Court records state the complainant reported she was driving her white Dodge Journey when she noticed a black Chevrolet sedan behind her while traveling near 61st Avenue and Harrison Street. She told police the vehicle began following her, honking continuously, and continued to pursue her as she traveled through the neighborhood.
The complainant reported she did not want to drive home and instead stopped near a residence she believed belonged to a law enforcement officer. According to the affidavit, the black Chevrolet pulled alongside her vehicle, and the male driver yelled at her, telling her not to do it again.
Court documents state the man then pointed a handgun at her, while her three children were inside her vehicle, and threatened to kill her. The suspect then fled eastbound on 66th Place.
The complainant attempted to follow the vehicle while calling 911 but lost sight of it. Police later documented minor property damage after the complainant struck a mailbox while waiting for officers to arrive.
During a follow-up investigation, police reviewed the incident with the complainant, who later located the suspect vehicle parked near a residence on Monroe Court in Merrillville. Court documents state she researched the address, located a name associated with the residence, and later identified the suspect through a photo array.
Investigators also reviewed license plate reader data, which placed the suspect vehicle in the area at the time of the incident. Police further documented a prior incident involving the same vehicle in another Lake County community, according to court records.
Filipiak was later contacted by police and denied pointing a firearm but acknowledged driving a black vehicle. He declined to come in for a formal interview.
Charges filed January 13,2026:
• Intimidation (Defendant Draws or Uses a Deadly Weapon) – Level 5 Felony
• Intimidation (Threat to Commit a Forcible Felony) – Level 6 Felony
• Pointing a Firearm at Another Person – Level 6 Felony
