Valparaiso Man Charged After Allegedly Firing Gun During Dirt Bike Dispute In Porter County
Jason Robert Craig, 48, of Valparaiso, is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he fired a handgun while riding a dirt bike during a dispute with property owners in rural Porter County.
According to court documents, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. on February 15, 2026, in the area of 100 West near Division Road. Authorities say Craig and a female were riding dirt bikes through a field when the property owners were alerted by a neighbor that two riders were on their land.
The property owners told investigators they drove to the field and observed fresh ruts and damage to pathways and the field caused by the dirt bikes. They said they flagged down the riders and spoke with the male rider, who they identified as Jason Craig, a neighbor who lives on Division Road.
According to the affidavit, the property owner told Craig he did not want him riding on the property because the muddy conditions were causing damage. Investigators say Craig responded that he did not think the owner would care and told them he was not leaving.
Authorities say Craig then performed a burnout with the dirt bike, creating additional ruts in the field before leaving the area and continuing to ride around the property.
The property owners reported they were approximately 100 to 125 feet away when Craig allegedly reached into his pocket, retrieved a handgun, raised it, and fired two shots in quick succession. They told investigators they did not know whether the shots were fired toward them or into the air, but said the firearm was raised and not pointed at the ground.
A nearby witness also reported hearing two gunshots in rapid succession, and another neighbor told investigators she observed Craig riding a dirt bike in the area before hearing the gunshots.
During a later phone conversation with investigators, Craig allegedly admitted he had been riding his motorcycle in the field and woods that day. He claimed a previous property owner had given him permission years earlier to ride in the area and said he did not realize the property had changed ownership.
Investigators say Craig also acknowledged he had a pistol with him that day and admitted he knew he was not allowed to possess a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.
Court documents show Craig has a prior 2013 Porter County conviction for Attempted Trafficking With an Inmate, which qualifies him as a serious violent felon prohibited from possessing firearms.
Investigators also reported that on February 22, 2026, Craig was seen at the Porter County Expo Center gun and knife show, where he allegedly handled multiple firearms before being asked to leave the property.
Lodged in the Porter County Jail on March 10,2026.
Charges filed March 5,2026:
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon — Level 4 Felony
• Criminal Recklessness — Level 5 Felony
• Intimidation While Drawing or Using a Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony
• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun — Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Mischief — Class A Misdemeanor
