Hammond Man Arrested After Firework Incident Inside Tobacco Store
Hammond-A Hammond man is facing multiple felony charges after court documents allege he threw a Roman candle firework into a smoke shop on Indianapolis Boulevard following a dispute over CBD gummies.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the incident happened around 1:00 p.m. on October 13, 2025, at First Choice Tobacco located in the 1500 block of Indianapolis Boulevard. The owner told investigators he heard glass breaking, then saw a person open the front door and throw a Roman candle-type firework inside the business. The firework discharged projectiles throughout the store, filling it with smoke while a customer ran for cover. The owner told police he was in fear during the incident and did not consent to the act.
Two days earlier, on October 10, a regular customer purchased CBD gummies. That customer called the store several times afterward, complaining the product “had no effect.” According to court documents, the store offered the customer a discounted price on another product, but the man became upset. Roughly 30 minutes before the firework incident, the same customer allegedly stated on the phone, “I’m coming over there to burn the place down.” Records show the gummies were purchased with a debit card belonging to Anterrio Daqwon Yisrael, 19, with an address two blocks north of the business. Surveillance video captured the suspect’s movements during the incident, investigators wrote.
On October 15, investigators conducting surveillance saw a man matching the suspect’s build leave Yisrael’s residence. When ordered to stop, the man—identified as Yisrael—initially resisted and then tried to run northbound on Indianapolis Boulevard before being caught and taken into custody.
During an audio- and video-recorded interview, Yisrael waived his Miranda rights and denied making threats or being involved in the firework incident. He claimed a family member might have been responsible, stating she left the house shortly after the call and returned out of breath wearing clothing similar to what was seen on surveillance video. He admitted to owning Roman candle fireworks stored in his bedroom, which he said were accessible to the family member.
Charges filed October 17, 2025:
• Arson — Level 4 Felony (2 counts)
• Intimidation — Level 5 Felony
• Criminal Recklessness — Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
Yisrael was lodged in the Lake County Jail on October 18, 2025.
