Man With BB Gun Arrested After Stand Off With Police
On July 31, 2023 at approximately 6:22 PM, a Porter Police Officer attempted to contact a motorist who was operating a vehicle with a broken tail-light and loud exhaust. The vehicle pulled into a driveway in the 200 block of Franklin Street, according to Porter Police. Upon speaking with the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Gary Bolcerek, Bolcerek became irate and appeared to be reaching for a weapon. The initial officer called for emergency assistance at which time the Chesterton and Burns Harbor Police Departments responded to the scene.
Bolcerek retreated from his vehicle into his garage and a stand-off ensued as he brandished a black pistol. Initial attempts to de-escalate and speak with the male were made but proved futile. Chesterton Police deployed a less lethal “bean-bag” shotgun which was ineffective at stopping Bolcerek’s actions. A Taser was also deployed but proved ineffective as well.
Bolcerek ultimately threw down his firearm and he was apprehended after a struggle with multiple officers. Upon being placed into custody, he was immediately transported by EMS to a nearby medical facility for assessment. He was later released from the hospital and transported to Porter County Jail. The pistol that was recovered was determined to be a BB gun that substantially resembled a real pistol. Bolcerek was charged with the following Felony Counts: Intimidation, Battery to Law Enforcement, and Resisting Law Enforcement.
Bolcerek is currently being held without bond due to his status of being out on bond for a prior violent crime.
The Porter Police thanked the Chesterton and Burns Harbor Police for their prompt assistance as well as the Porter Fire Department, Northwest Health EMS, and the Porter/Chesterton Dispatch Center.
