Gustavo Alfonso Burgos, 38, of Gary, is facing felony charges after Hobart Police allegedly discovered a handgun and THC vape inside his vehicle during a traffic stop Saturday night in Hobart.
According to court documents, the investigation began around 9 p.m. on May 9 when a Hobart Police officer observed a black 2019 Buick SUV traveling westbound on East 37th Avenue at what was described as a high rate of speed. The officer also reportedly observed the vehicle had no license plate light and the plate was unreadable because it was flapping in the wind.
Court documents state the vehicle briefly stopped at Luke’s Gas Station near 37th Avenue and Wisconsin Street before continuing through several residential streets. Police later identified the vehicle as being registered to Burgos with an expired dealer plate.
Authorities said the vehicle was eventually stopped near West 37th Avenue and Arizona Street. During the stop, the officer allegedly observed a handgun in plain view on the front passenger seat next to what appeared to be a THC vape cartridge.
According to the affidavit, Burgos told police his 17-year-old son had been driving the vehicle earlier before being dropped off at a residence on West 39th Place. Police said Burgos became animated while explaining that his son kept making turns after noticing the patrol vehicle behind them.
Court documents state Burgos informed the officer that he is a registered sex offender. Police further reported detecting a strong odor commonly associated with marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked when he last smoked inside the vehicle, Burgos allegedly responded, “about an hour ago.”
When asked about the vape cartridge, Burgos allegedly stated, “that’s THC.” Police said Burgos also told officers, “no, you can search if you want to,” when asked if there was anything else illegal inside the vehicle.
Officers reported locating marijuana “shake” on the floorboards during the search. Investigators later determined Burgos had previously been convicted of child molesting, a Class C Felony, in Lake County in 2014, making him ineligible to possess a firearm.
During a recorded interview at the Hobart Police Department, Burgos allegedly admitted the handgun belonged to him and stated he purchased it in 2021 for protection even though he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms. Police said Burgos told investigators he “takes full responsibility” for the handgun and admitted it belonged to him “and no one else.”
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed May 11, 2026:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon — Level 4 Felony
Possession of Marijuana — Class B Misdemeanor
