Jose Anthony Gonzalez, 71, of East Chicago, is facing felony charges after police say he broke into a Merrillville Jiffy Lube business and stole a credit card reader before being detained nearby with the device still in his possession.

According to court documents, Merrillville officers responded around 11:59 a.m. May 24 to Jiffy Lube, 5920 Broadway, for a reported burglary in progress after dispatchers were advised an older male wearing a black hoodie and jeans had broken into the business and was still inside.

Police said the caller reported the suspect left a bicycle behind the business and began walking north toward Dollar Tree.

Officers arriving at the scene observed the west side bay door partially open with a window panel pushed inward, consistent with forced entry.

Court documents state officers located a man matching the suspect description near Dollar General and detained him after he allegedly attempted to flee on a black pedal bicycle and ignored commands to show his hands.

Investigators identified the suspect as Jose Gonzalez. During a pat down, officers reportedly recovered a yellow and black DeWalt box cutter knife and a white credit card reader later identified as having been stolen from Jiffy Lube.

According to the affidavit, surveillance footage reviewed by investigators allegedly showed Gonzalez arriving at the business around 11:56 a.m. with a bicycle before breaking a window panel on bay No. 2 to open the latch and gain entry into the building.

Police said the footage allegedly showed Gonzalez entering the business through the west bay door at approximately 11:58 a.m. and walking near a large toolbox in bay No. 2 before taking a credit card reader from a stand near the toolbox.

Court documents state Gonzalez then allegedly walked behind the front counter and into the office area, where investigators said he damaged an HP LaserJet Pro M501 printer valued at approximately $550 and touched the keyboard and mouse.

Police said surveillance footage allegedly showed Gonzalez leaving the business, retrieving his bicycle and fleeing the area.

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed May 26, 2026:

Burglary, a Level 5 Felony

Criminal Mischief, a Class B Misdemeanor