Cedar Lake Man Charged After Pointing Gun During Road Rage Incident
On May 6, 2025 at approximately 10:30 AM, the St. John Police Department was dispatched to the area of W. 109th Avenue and Cline Avenue in reference to a suspected weapon offense, according to a press release.
The reporting party/victim who was driving a Tesla passenger vehicle, stated he was traveling eastbound on W. 109th Avenue near the intersection of Parrish Avenue. As he proceeded eastbound, there was a red Jeep directly in front of him traveling at slow rate of speed.
Therefore, when it was safe and legal to do so in the allowable passing zone, he passed the Jeep and continued eastbound. After passing the Jeep, he noticed in his rearview mirror that the Jeep sped up and began tailgating him at a very close distance. While doing so, the victim stated it appeared the driver of the Jeep was pointing a handgun at him through the windshield. When they approached the red traffic light at the intersection of W. 109th Avenue and Cline Avenue, both vehicles came to a stop. At that time, the victim stated the driver of the Jeep exited his vehicle with a handgun in his right hand and began charging at the victim’s vehicle. Fearing for his life, the victim went through the red light and immediately called police.
After calling police the victim arrived at the St. John Police Department. It was then learned that the Tesla was equipped with on-board exterior video cameras which recorded the entire incident. Officers were able to download the video files and enhance it in order to obtain the license plate number on the Jeep. At that time, they discovered the Jeep to be registered to a 40 year old
Cedar Lake man identified as Shawn M. Parker.
Shortly after, officers arrived at Parker’s
residence who later admitted to being involved in the incident with a handgun. Parker was taken into custody and several firearms were removed from the property after Parker gave officers consent to search.
Parker was subsequently transported to the Lake County Jail and formally charged with Level 5 Felony Intimidation and a Level 6 Felony Pointing a Firearm with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
“The actions and work by our officers brought this extremely dangerous situation to a quick and safe ending. We commend the officers for a job well done,” St. John Police Chief Steven Flores said.
