Gary Man Charged With Multiple Felonies After Vehicle Pursuit With Infant Inside
Mikal Naeem Morocco, 24, of Gary, has been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses following a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash while an infant was inside the vehicle.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed January 20, 2026, the incident occurred on January 17, 2026, at approximately 12:16 p.m., near Ridge Road and Pierce Street in Gary.
Court documents state a deputy observed a maroon Dodge Durango traveling without a visible registration plate and initiated a traffic stop. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Morocco, the deputy detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Morocco told officers he did not have marijuana inside the vehicle but stated he had smoked inside the car the night before.
According to the affidavit, officers asked Morocco to exit the vehicle due to the odor. At that point, Morocco allegedly placed the vehicle into drive and fled the traffic stop, leading officers on a pursuit westbound on Ridge Road and northbound on Johnson Street. The affidavit states Morocco continued fleeing at a high rate of speed, ignoring emergency lights and sirens.
The affidavit states that near 35th Avenue and Johnson Street, Morocco attempted to turn eastbound but lost control due to icy road conditions and speed, striking a fence and becoming disabled at a residence in the 1400 block of West 35th Avenue.
After the crash, officers learned a one-year-old child was seated in the back of the vehicle and required medical attention. The child’s mother, who was also a passenger and pregnant at the time, told officers the infant might be injured. Both the infant and the mother were evaluated by medical personnel and cleared at the scene.
According to the affidavit, Morocco fled on foot after the crash but was located and taken into custody in an alley behind a nearby residence. During a search of the area, officers located a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine and a live round chambered on the roof of a nearby residence in the area where Morocco exited the vehicle.
The affidavit states the firearm was traced and returned clear, and records indicate Morocco was legally allowed to possess the firearm.
Charges filed January 20,2026:
• Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony (two counts)
• Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
