Hobart Man Charged With False Firearm Purchase And Unlawful Handgun Possession
Eugene Johnathan Spencer V, a 32-year-old Hobart man, is accused of illegally purchasing a handgun with pending felony charges and possessing two loaded handguns, brass knuckles, a stun gun, and a ballistic vest during a traffic stop in Gary.
According to court documents, on August 25, 2025, around 3:12 p.m., a Gary officer on patrol near 5th Avenue and Bridge Street saw Spencer getting into the driver’s seat of a black Chevrolet Trailblazer. The officer stated he recognized Spencer from previous encounters and knew his Indiana BMV status was listed as “Suspended-Prior,” with no record of ever receiving an Indiana driver’s license. A records check confirmed that status.
The officer followed the Trailblazer for several blocks before initiating a traffic stop at 5th Avenue and Grant Street. Spencer reportedly could not produce a driver’s license or identification. While speaking with him, the officer observed what appeared to be a ballistic vest or body armor under Spencer’s clothing. Spencer then told the officer he had a handgun on his person.
A black Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm handgun was secured from Spencer, loaded with one round in the chamber and a full magazine. Spencer initially resisted commands to exit the vehicle, tensing up and pulling away, but was eventually removed and placed into handcuffs.
After being detained, Spencer told officers there was another handgun in the glove box. A silver-over-black Smith & Wesson M&P .40-caliber handgun was recovered, also loaded with a round in the chamber and a full magazine. Neither firearm was reported stolen. Officers also located brass knuckles and a stun gun.
The affidavit states Spencer had a pending Level 6 felony theft case — Cause No. 45D12-2307-F6-001598 — which prohibited him from possessing a handgun. Spencer acknowledged the pending felony case during the stop.
An ATF trace on the .40-caliber handgun revealed the gun had been purchased by Spencer on November 16, 2024, from Mega Cash Pawn in Hobart. Investigators obtained the ATF Form 4473 Spencer completed. Question 21(c) asks whether the buyer is “under indictment or information in any court for a felony.” Spencer answered “NO,” despite his pending felony theft case. He signed the form on November 8, 2024, and purchased the firearm eight days later.
Charges filed November 12,2025:
• Use of False Information to Obtain a Firearm (Level 5 Felony)
• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Driving While Suspended – Knowing Violation With Prior Conviction (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License – Prior Unrelated Conviction (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Knowingly or Intentionally Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License (Class C Misdemeanor)
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on November 13,2025.
