Man Out On Bond For Attempted Murder Charges Is Now Charged With Felony Gun Charges
On April 7, 2025, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department was patrolling the intersection of E. 10th Avenue and Clay Street when the Officer observed a gold Chevrolet SUV pass by. The Officer observed that the driver of the Chevrolet SUV was not wearing his seatbelt. The vehicle was stopped in the parking lot of Family Dollar located at the 4700 Block of Melton Road.
According to court documents, the Officer approached the front passenger window of the SUV and made contact with the driver. The Officer advised him of the reason for the stop. The driver advised the Officer he did not have a license, but he did produce an Indiana ID card. The passenger advised the Officer that he had a license and produced an Indiana license. The passenger was identified as Malik Gross. As the Officer spoke with the driver and Gross, the Officer detected a strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from within the Chevrolet SUV. The Officer asked both the driver and Gross if there was anything inside the car that he should know about. The driver advised the Officer he had just rolled a “blunt“ and had a “little bag.”
According to court documents, the Officer asked the driver and Gross if there were any firearms inside the vehicle. The driver and Gross appeared to freeze, with the driver slightly shaking his head “no“ when asked about the firearms. The Officer then asked the driver to step out of the vehicle, and he consented to being searched. Additional officers arrived on the scene to assist.
An Officer observed a black handgun laying on the right side of the front passenger seat where Malik Gross was observed to be reaching. According to court documents, the Officer noted that it was a black Ruger American 9mm. The Officer observed one round of live ammunition in the chamber and a magazine loaded with additional live ammunition.
A probable cause search of the SUV was conducted based on the marijuana. An Officer located the blunt on the front driver’s side, a black resealable plastic bag containing suspected marijuana, as well as loose pieces of marijuana. The Officer advised the driver of his Miranda Rights, and Gross advised the Officer he is currently out on bond for Attempted Murder.
According to court documents, the Officer reviewed Malik Gross’ criminal history utilizing the website “Mycase.” The Officer observed that, in December of 2024, Gross was charged with Attempted Murder as an F1 Felony, Dealing in a Controlled Substance as a Level 2 Felony, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Offender as a Level 4 Felony, Criminal Recklessness as a Level 6 Felony, and Pointing a Firearm as a Level 6 Felony. The Lake County case for these charges is still pending.
The review further showed that, on December 8, 2020, Malik Gross was convicted of Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 5 Felony. Gross was also convicted of Stalking, a Level 6 Felony, in Lake County.
Further investigation into the Ruger handgun produced a return for a stolen firearm with a matching serial number.
During the investigation, the police contacted the complainant from the firearm theft. He indicated that he had not given Malik Gross permission to possess the firearm.
Malik Gross pictured below was lodged in the Lake County Jail.
On April 9, 2025, Malik R. Gross was charged with:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Serious Violent Offender: F4 Felony
Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun: F5 Felony (3 Counts)
Theft of a Handgun: F5 Felony
The driver Rickey D. Mayes was charged with:
Driving While Suspended: Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Marijuana: Class B Misdemeanor
An arrest and criminal charges are accusations only. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
