EAST CHICAGO ARSONIST ARRESTED AFTER TAUNTING POLICE
On October 24, 2024 East Chicago Police were dispatched to the 4300 block of Northcote Avenue in reference to a car fire, according to East Chicago Police Chief Jose Rivera.
Upon arrival officers were advised by witnesses that a car was intentionally set on fire by an individual that fled the scene prior to officers arrival. Officers patrolled the area and were unsuccessful with finding the suspect. A report was taken and the case was assigned to the EC Criminal Investigation Division.
A few days later on October 28, 2024 officers were dispatched back to the same location of the car fire in regards to a house fire. Upon arrival officers were advised by witnesses that a male party was observed pouring lighter fluid on the house and setting it on fire. The male suspect then fled the scene to parts unknown. Officers again patrolled the area and could not locate the suspect. An additional report was filed and this arson case was also assigned to the EC Criminal Investigation Division.
During the investigation it was discovered that the victim who resides in the 4300 block of Northcote Avenue was being stalked, harassed and intimidated by her ex-boyfriend 18 year old Michael G. Medrano of East Chicago. After a thorough investigation Detective D. Saliga was able to file the following 17 criminal charges against the suspect:
- 3 counts of level 4 felony arson
- 2 counts of level 5 felony intimidation
- 1 count of level 5 felony domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury
- 1 count of level 6 felony intimidation
- 2 counts of level 6 felony arson
- 1 count of level 6 felony criminal confinement
- 1 count of level 6 felony strangulation
- 1 count of level 6 felony stalking
- 1 count of class A misdemeanor domestic battery
- 4 counts of class A misdemeanor criminal mischief
After filing the charges against the suspect he went into hiding and began to taunt EC Detectives on social media. The Gang and Narcotics Division was given the assignment to track down and apprehend the wanted suspect, Rivera stated.
On 11/06/24 Detectives G. Garcia and J. Sanchez from the Gang and Narcotic Division located the suspect riding his bike on the south side of East Chicago. Detectives attempted to approach the suspect and he immediately fled. Detectives gave chase and after a short pursuit and brief struggle they were able to get the suspect into custody without further incident. The suspect was subsequently charged with an additional resisting law enforcement class A misdemeanor charge and transported to the East Chicago Police Department Jail pending transportation to the Lake County Sheriff Department Jail.
Chief Rivera thanked all of the Officers and Detectives for the great work they did on this case. “Their persistence and hard work led to the apprehension of a serious violent individual,” Rivera said.
