Dawon Arsell Wade Jr., 20, of Gary, has been charged after Lake County Sheriff’s Department deputies allegedly recovered a Glock handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch,” during a traffic stop in Gary.

According to court documents, the incident occurred at approximately 9:57 p.m. on June 8 near Harrison Street and West 21st Avenue when a deputy observed a red Kia Optima with an inoperable rear license plate light and allegedly traveling 32 mph in a 20 mph zone. Police attempted a traffic stop, but Wade allegedly continued driving before eventually stopping in the 2320 block of Harrison Street.

Court records state deputies observed Wade making furtive movements inside the vehicle as he continued driving. After the vehicle stopped, officers reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the Kia. When asked why he did not immediately stop, Wade allegedly replied, “I did,” while pointing to his middle finger. He later told officers he was “just trying to get home to his kids.”

According to the affidavit, Wade repeatedly failed to follow commands during the stop, touched the vehicle’s gear shifter multiple times, and at one point placed the vehicle back into drive before eventually exiting. Officers alleged he then pulled away from deputies and resisted efforts to detain him before being taken into custody after a brief struggle.

A search of the Kia allegedly uncovered a Glock Model 22 .40-caliber handgun beneath the driver’s seat, approximately 12 grams of marijuana, and 14 suspected marijuana vape pens. Investigators reported the handgun was equipped with an auto sear device that converts the firearm into a fully automatic machine gun. The weapon allegedly contained a live round in the chamber and 21 additional rounds in the magazine.

During a recorded interview the following day, Wade allegedly admitted the handgun belonged to him and acknowledged it had a “button” on the back, which detectives identified as a switch. According to court documents, Wade said he paid $250 to have the device installed after purchasing the firearm from a friend. He also admitted having marijuana in the vehicle and told investigators he kept the handgun for self-defense.

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed June 10, 2026:

Possession of a Machine Gun (Level 5 Felony)

Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle (Level 6 Felony)

Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A Misdemeanor)
Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun (Class A Misdemeanor)

Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor)