Merrillville Man Accused of False Informing, Resisting Police in Rensselaer
A Merrillville man, Jim Alan Szutenbach, 36, is facing felony and misdemeanor charges following an incident in Rensselaer that court records say involved fleeing from police, making a robbery report during the incident, and the destruction of evidence.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the incident occurred at approximately 10:57 a.m. on December 11, 2025, near the intersection of Cullen Street and Kellner Boulevard in Rensselaer. An officer with the Rensselaer Police Department reported conducting surveillance at a residence due to outstanding warrants for Szutenbach’s arrest. During that time, the officer observed individuals carrying items from the residence to a gray Ford pickup truck, which then left the area.
Court records state the truck was later observed speeding in the downtown area before parking along Kellner Boulevard. After seeing a passenger exit the truck, cover his face, and begin walking away, the officer suspected the individual was Szutenbach and called out for him to remain by the vehicle. The officer reported recognizing Szutenbach from prior arrests.
According to the affidavit, Szutenbach told the officer he needed to get his daughter and then fled eastbound, prompting a foot pursuit. The officer reported repeatedly identifying himself as police and ordering Szutenbach to stop. Szutenbach continued to flee and was later located locked inside the bathroom of a nearby CVS store.
Court documents further state that another officer advised he heard Szutenbach place a robbery report during the incident, reporting that a suspect fled toward a nearby Mexican restaurant. After Szutenbach was taken into custody and placed in handcuffs, officers located a plastic baggie floating in the toilet. Court records state Szutenbach admitted he flushed a baggie containing marijuana.
Charges filed December 12,2025:
• Obstruction of Justice — Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement — Class A Misdemeanor
• False Informing — Class B Misdemeanor
