Gary Man Charged After Alleged Repeated Death Threats and Arson Threats Toward Merrillville Business Owner
A 43-year-old Gary man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly making repeated threatening phone calls to a Merrillville business owner, including threats to kill him and burn down his business, according to court documents.
Gabriel Ray Piontek, 43, of Gary, is accused of repeatedly calling Miller’s Auto Detailing in the 1400 block of West Lincoln Highway in Merrillville and leaving threatening and intimidating voicemails after his vehicle was detailed at the business, records state.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the business owner reported that after completing a last-minute detailing appointment for Piontek, he began receiving multiple phone calls and voicemails from him. The affidavit states Piontek said he was “going to fuck his mother and his wife and let it marinate,” threatened to kill the business owner multiple times, and said he was going to burn the shop down. The business owner blocked the phone number and contacted police to document the threats, records state.
Court documents state the business owner initially did not want to pursue charges after speaking with Piontek’s father, who told him his son was experiencing a mental health crisis and receiving treatment. However, the affidavit alleges the threatening behavior continued, with the business owner reporting he received approximately 15 to 20 additional phone calls from Piontek over several days.
According to the affidavit, on December 12, 2025, one call went through despite the number being blocked. When the business owner answered, Piontek allegedly asked about having his truck detailed. After being told the business would no longer do business with him, Piontek allegedly again threatened to kill the business owner and burn the shop to the ground. The business owner told police he feared for his life and the safety of his business due to the ongoing threats.
Investigators reported listening to and confirming the threatening voicemails as part of the investigation, according to court records.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on December 18,2025.
Charges filed December 17,2025:
• Intimidation – Threat to Commit a Forcible Felony (Level 6 Felony)
• Harassment by Means of a Telephone Call (Class B Misdemeanor)
