Five Illegally Possessed Handguns Taken In 8 Days
On Saturday October 31st at approximately 3:30 PM, Officer Mark Galetti was dispatched to the 100 West Block of Fulton Street for a report of a subject pointing a firearm. Officer Galetti arrived and located the vehicle and suspect believed to be involved. The suspect, Charles PHEAL, 29, of Michigan City was found to be in possession of a firearm that was reported stolen. PHEAL was placed under arrest for Theft of a Firearm Level 6-Felony and Possession of a Firearm without a Permit A-Misdemeanor.
PHEAL is currently being held at the La Porte County Jail on a $1,500 cash bond. PHEAL has already had his initial hearing and is scheduled for a status hearing in La Porte County Superior Court #4 on December 22nd at 12:45 PM.
On Tuesday November 3rd at approximately 3:00 PM, Corporal Marty Corley was in the area of East Michigan Blvd. and Ashland Ave. when he observed a vehicle that was being driven by a subject that had an active arrest warrant. The vehicle was stopped in the 200 Block of South Porter Street and the driver, Marquaivion HOLMES, 18 of Michigan City was arrested on an active warrant for Possession of a Firearm without a Permit A-Misdemeanor.
Officers smelled the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle, and a subsequent search revealed a firearm. Jarese Terrell BISHOP, 19, of Michigan City was arrested for Carrying a Handgun without a License A- Misdemeanor. BISHOP already had his initial hearing and has posted bail. BISHOP is scheduled for a status hearing in La Porte County Superior Court #4 on January 8th, 2021 at 9:00 A.M.
Later in the evening, at approximately 10:00 PM, Corporal Mike Oberle initiated a traffic stop on the driver of a vehicle at East Michigan Blvd. and 4th Street for failing to signal a lane change and a loud music ordinance violation. Corporal Oberle identified the driver as Leslie T. LISTER, 36, of Michigan City. Officer Steve Wiegel and K9 Axel arrived, and a free air sniff was conducted on the vehicle. K9 Axel positively alerted on the vehicle at which time the vehicle was searched. During this search, Officers located suspected narcotics and a firearm. LISTER was subsequently charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm Level 5-Felony, Possession of a Controlled Substance Level 6-Felony, Operating a Vehicle Having Never Received a License A-Misdemeanor and Possession of Marijuana B- Misdemeanor.
LISTER is currently being held at the La Porte County Jail on a $15,000 cash only bond. LISTER is scheduled for an initial hearing on Tuesday November 10th at 8:30AM in La Porte County Superior Court #1.
On Sunday November 8th at approximately 12:30AM, Officer Matthew Babcock initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle at East 10th Street and Oak Street for speeding and an equipment violation. Officer Babcock approached the vehicle and found it to be occupied by 5 individuals. Officer Babcock identified the driver and occupants of the vehicle and while doing so, smelled the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The occupants exited the vehicle as Officer Babcock and assisting officers investigated the odor of marijuana.
A firearm, that was reported as stolen was found on one of the occupants of the vehicle. A second firearm was found during the search of the vehicle. Officers also located empty drug packaging material within the vehicle.
As a result of this investigation, Daryl Dwayne RHODES II, 19, of Michigan City was charged with Theft of a Firearm Level 6-Felony and Possession of a Firearm without a Permit A-Misdemeanor. RHODES II is currently being held at the La Porte County Jail with no bond. RHODES II is scheduled for an initial hearing this morning in La Porte County Superior Court #4.
Asa Lamoyne TOMPKINS, 23, of Michigan City was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon Level 4-Felony. TOMPKINS is currently being held at the La Porte County Jail on a $20,000 cash bond. TOMPKINS is scheduled for an initial hearing on Tuesday November 10th at 8:30AM in La Porte County Superior Court #1.
Michigan City Police would also like to remind the public that you can contact them via Facebook Messenger, through the crime tip hotline number of 219-873-1488, or you can also call the WeTip Hotline for General Crime (800) 78-CRIME and possibly receive a reward upon an arrest and conviction. All WeTip call information is sent directly to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office. You can always request to remain anonymous!
