Lake Station Man Found Hiding in Trash Can After Crash, Faces Charges for Drugs, Guns, and Assaulting Officer
A Lake Station man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he crashed a car into a fence, hid inside a trash can, and fled from officers while in possession of drugs, firearms, and cash.
According to court documents, officers with the Gary Police Department responded to the area of the 2900 block of Central Avenue in Gary on July 27, 2025, after receiving reports that a black sedan had crashed into a fence and the driver had called 911 claiming he was being chased.
On scene, the male and reported driver exited a trash can and was hiding in it. He was identified as Antonio Dewane Harris by his Indiana ID Card and stated that there were people following him in different vehicles and running after him. He stated he was being followed even as police spoke with him, though there were no people in sight. He was speaking loudly, repeating himself, not making sense, and appeared nervous. He was yelling and screaming and pacing aimlessly, and attempts to calm him were unsuccessful. His ID card was a learner’s permit only, and he advised he was the only person in the vehicle.
When asked to remove a fanny pack strapped to his body for safety reasons, Harris allegedly refused and admitted there was a handgun inside. As officers attempted to secure the bag, Harris reportedly stated the bag also contained cocaine and marijuana. He then fled on foot down an alley but was caught shortly after.
Police say Harris physically resisted arrest, preventing his wrist from being secured in handcuffs. After being transported to the Gary Police Department Jail, he allegedly punched a corporal in the upper arm during booking, causing a scrape.
A search of the fanny pack reportedly uncovered:
• Two Glock handguns (models 17 and 22)
• 26 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for cocaine
• 26 grams of marijuana
• $422.90 in cash
Harris also voluntarily stated he was a felon. A criminal records check confirmed a 2016 conviction for Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, making him legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Charges were filed July 28, 2025.
Charges include:
• Dealing in Cocaine (Level 2 Felony)
• Possession of Cocaine with Enhancing Circumstance (Level 3 Felony)
• Possession of Cocaine (Level 4 Felony)
• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun – prior felony (Level 5 Felony)
• Battery Against a Public Safety Official (Level 6 Felony)
• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Resisting Law Enforcement – force (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Resisting Law Enforcement – flight (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor)
