Lake Station Man Charged After Assault Of Woman’s 2-Year-Old Child And Threats To Pregnant Woman
Xavier Malik Henderson, 23, of Lake Station, is charged in Lake County after police say he forced entry into a New Chicago residence and assaulted a woman’s 2-year-old child while threatening to kill her unborn child.
According to a probable cause affidavit, New Chicago Police were dispatched February 16, 2026, to a residence on 37th Avenue for a disturbance. The female complainant reported she was in the restroom when she heard her front door being kicked in. When she exited, she observed Henderson inside the living room/kitchen area. Police said Henderson has never lived at the residence and has no contractual interest in the home.
Police said the complainant and Henderson share a two-month-old child, who was present during the incident.
Investigators said Henderson entered a bedroom where the complainant’s juvenile son, age 2, was located. The complainant observed Henderson grab the child by the neck and strike him in the face with a closed fist.
The complainant reported she grabbed Henderson by the hair and attempted to pull him away from her son. Henderson then pushed her backward, causing her to fall. The complainant then struck Henderson in the face to separate him from the child.
Police said the complainant is pregnant and Henderson is aware of the pregnancy. She reported she ran from the home as Henderson chased her and told her he was going to kill her unborn child. She reached a neighbor’s residence across the street and called police.
Officers observed the 2-year-old to have blood on his right nostril, an abrasion to his forehead, redness to his right eye, and redness with visible marks on his neck. The child was evaluated by medics. Police also observed the door frame knocked off and the door unable to be secured.
Henderson was located inside a bedroom of the residence. Officers reported he appeared incoherent and possibly intoxicated.
Investigators also reviewed prior police reports involving Henderson and the same complainant alleging domestic battery or residential entry on February 11, 2026; February 6, 2026; and December 30, 2025.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed February 18,2026:
• Burglary (Dwelling) — F4 Felony
• Criminal Confinement (Victim Under 14) — F5 Felony
• Battery on a Person Less Than 14 — F6 Felony
• Residential Entry — F6 Felony
• Intimidation — F6 Felony
