East Chicago Man Charged After Police Find Handgun With Obliterated Serial Number
Michael G. Medrano, 19, of East Chicago, is charged in Lake County after police say he was found carrying a handgun with an obliterated serial number during an investigation connected to a Hammond park battery case.
According to a probable cause affidavit, on February 17, 2026, officers responding to a battery report at Columbia Park in Hammond were searching for a suspect believed to be traveling toward East Chicago. While in the 400 block of East Chicago Avenue in East Chicago, police stopped a male riding a bicycle who matched the suspect description.
The male was identified as Michael Medrano. During a pat-down, officers located a black and silver 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun in the chest pocket of his jacket. Police reported the firearm had an obliterated serial number with apparent grinding marks consistent with attempts to destroy the identifying number.
Court documents state Medrano was under felony indictment in a prior Lake County case at the time of the incident.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed February 19,2026:
• Possession of Altered Firearm — Level 5 Felony
• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun — Class A Misdemeanor
Other pending charges filed 10/29/2024:
• Arson — Level 4 Felony (×3)
• Intimidation with Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony (×2)
• Domestic Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury — Level 5 Felony
• Intimidation (Threat to Commit Forcible Felony) — Level 6 Felony
• Arson ($250–$5,000) — Level 6 Felony (×2)
• Criminal Confinement — Level 6 Felony
• Strangulation — Level 6 Felony
• Stalking — Level 6 Felony
• Domestic Battery — Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Mischief — Class B Misdemeanor (×4)
