East Chicago Man Charged After Vehicle Pursuit And Firearm Tossed During Foot Chase In Hammond
Pierre D. Campbell, 24, of East Chicago, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after Hammond Police allege he fled from officers during a traffic stop, led police on a vehicle pursuit through city streets, then ran on foot while throwing a firearm during the chase.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the incident occurred January 26, 2026, in Hammond while detectives were assisting in locating a woman with an active warrant. Officers conducting surveillance observed a black male exit a residence, start a silver Chevrolet Impala, return inside, then exit again and drive away.
Detectives observed the vehicle’s license plate was completely obscured by snow and initiated a traffic stop near 175th Street and Walnut Avenue. Officers identified the driver as Campbell by his Indiana identification card. During the stop, Campbell told officers he did not have a valid driver’s license.
As detectives attempted to remove Campbell from the vehicle, officers observed him lean toward the center console area. Believing he was reaching for a weapon, an officer drew his department-issued handgun and ordered Campbell to show his hands. Instead, Campbell placed the vehicle in drive and fled the stop.
Police pursued Campbell through multiple Hammond streets before a stop-stick tire deflation device was deployed. Campbell continued driving back toward the Columbia Avenue area, exited the vehicle, and fled on foot.
During the foot pursuit in an alley in the 7600 block area, officers observed Campbell retrieve a long black firearm from his jacket and throw it to his right while running. Detectives continued the chase until Campbell jumped a fence and continued resisting officers’ attempts to take him into custody. Officers reported Campbell was actively reaching underneath his body and refusing to surrender his hands before he was secured in handcuffs.
An evidence technician later recovered the firearm from the snow near a garage. The weapon was identified as a Zastava Zpap Model 85 semi-automatic pistol, described as a “Draco” style AK-47 pistol. The magazine, which had been ejected from the firearm, contained 22 live rounds of ammunition.
Court records reviewed by police showed Campbell has a prior conviction for Carrying a Handgun Without a License and is currently under indictment in Lake County for Resisting Law Enforcement With a Vehicle.
Charges filed January 28,2026:
• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun – Level 5 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement With a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
