Illinois Woman Charged After Allegedly Pointing Gun at UBER Passenger & Child
An Illinois woman has been charged in Lake County after police say she pointed a handgun at a woman and her 7-year-old child while working as an Uber driver in Gary.
According to court documents, Tonya Shaw, 63, has been charged following an incident on August 30, 2025, near Ellsworth Street in Gary .
The affidavit states officers were dispatched around 3:42 a.m. after a passenger reported that Shaw became upset during the ride and ordered her and her child out of the car. The woman told police Shaw exited the vehicle, pointed a small black handgun at them, and said the passenger was “lucky her son was with her or she would shoot her.” The child confirmed to officers that Shaw pointed the firearm at them .
Police said Shaw initially denied pointing the gun but later admitted pulling it from the door compartment and pointing it after the passenger threatened to assault her. Officers recovered a loaded .380 Ruger handgun from the driver’s side door of her vehicle .
Charges filed on August 31, 2025:
• Intimidation: Threat to commit a forcible felony (Level 6 Felony)
• Pointing a Firearm at Another (Level 6 Felony)
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on August 30, 2025.
