Michael Evan Lyon, 36, of Steger, Illinois, was charged June 8 in Lake Superior Court after police said they found cocaine on him during an incident at Heritage Christian High School in Dyer while his young child was present.

According to court documents, a St. John police officer was patrolling near Calumet Avenue and Greystone Drive on June 6 when he observed a brown Hyundai abruptly braking and weaving within its lane of travel. The vehicle eventually parked at Heritage Christian High School, where a private event was taking place.

Court records state the officer was flagged down by a person who reported that Lyon had entered the private event and was not supposed to be there. The individual also advised police that Lyon had a small child with him.

Police said Lyon told officers he was meeting the mother of his child at the event. However, when asked where she was, Lyon allegedly stated she was at a school with tennis courts. Officers noted there are no tennis courts at Heritage Christian High School. Court documents further state Lyon ignored requests for identification and instead asked officers whether the location was John Wheeler Middle School, which police noted is approximately 15 minutes away from Heritage Christian High School. Police said Lyon continued providing conflicting information, paced back and forth, took rapid breaths, appeared to begin crying, and repeatedly attempted to walk away while talking on his cellphone.

When officers advised him he was being detained, Lyon allegedly backed away and stated, “you’re not touching me,” before reaching toward his pocket. Police said he refused commands to place his hands behind his back and told officers, “I’m not putting my hands behind my back.” Court records allege Lyon sat on the ground, pulled his arm away from an officer, and thrashed his body from side to side before he was eventually handcuffed.

After Lyon was taken into custody, police reportedly recovered identification from a wallet and conducted a search of his person. Officers allegedly discovered a cigarette pack containing a clear baggie with approximately 0.4 grams of a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.

Police also reported observing numerous open alcohol containers inside the Hyundai, including one in a cup holder. The organizer of the private event told police Lyon had entered the building and had been advised he was not supposed to be there.

Court documents state Lyon’s child was present throughout the incident while Lyon allegedly possessed cocaine.

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed June 8, 2026:

• Possession of Cocaine, Level 5 Felony (2 counts) — Less than 5 grams, Enhancing Circumstance Alleged

• Possession of Cocaine, Level 6 Felony — Less than 5 grams

• Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony 

• Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor