Machine Gun Located Following Officers’ Response To Shots Fired Report In Merrillville
A 20-year-old Merrillville man identified in court filings as Kaleb Michael Parsons was taken into custody after officers responding to a shots fired call located weapons inside a garage on November 21, 2025 in Merrillville. The incident occurred in the area of 5800 block of Taft Place after multiple reports of gunfire were received.
According to court documents, a male in the area reported that the shots were believed to have come from a residence on Taft Place and were possibly fired toward a lake behind the location. Officers approached the garage at the property and observed a male briefly look out before closing the door, the affidavit says. After announcing their presence, a woman exited the home and stated that her son may be inside the garage and granted permission for officers to check it.
The affidavit states that Parsons eventually opened the garage door, and three additional males stepped outside, all of whom were juveniles. Officers reported smelling an odor commonly associated with marijuana and were advised by Parsons that the firearms located inside the garage belonged to him, according to court filings. Investigators located two weapons under a toolbox including a 5.56 AR-style pistol with a loaded magazine and round chambered, and a 9mm pistol equipped with a device identified as a switch capable of converting it into a fully automatic weapon, along with a high-capacity drum magazine and various THC products.
Parsons was taken into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail. Body-worn camera footage later reviewed reportedly showed Parsons admitting ownership of the weapons.
Charge filed November 22,2025:
• Possession of a Machine Gun – Level 5 Felony
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
