Merrillville Man Charged After Woman Reports Violent Attack Inside Home
A Merrillville man, 25-year-old Joseph Steven Sanders, has been charged in Lake County, after investigators detailed a violent incident that they say caused significant injuries during an alleged domestic battery and confinement on November 29, 2025.
According to the probable cause affidavit, officers were called to a Merrillville residence after a report that a man had fled on foot following a disturbance involving injuries. Investigators noted visible damage to a window and front door upon arrival and later located an individual crouched near a closet with a young child, reporting that Sanders had battered her before fleeing the home.
Court records state that earlier in the evening, Sanders and the individual were discussing their relationship when he allegedly became upset, left, and later returned in his vehicle. Investigators were told that upon returning, Sanders threw a shovel through a front window before forcing his way inside. According to the affidavit, Sanders then punched the individual in the nose and right eye, knocking her to the floor. He is accused of getting on top of her, pinning her legs with his knees, restraining her arms, and striking her several more times. Court documents also state he placed both hands around her neck for several seconds before eventually letting go.
Affidavit information indicates he then allegedly slapped her hard on the right ear, causing immediate pain and temporary hearing loss. Investigators documented injuries consistent with a suspected broken nose, an injured eardrum, swelling, bruising, and redness. The individual later drove herself to the hospital for treatment.
Investigators also noted that a young child was in a nearby room during the incident but did not wake during the altercation.
According to the affidavit, Sanders made statements interpreted as threats involving what would happen before police arrived. He fled on foot before being located inside a garage at another residence after a K-9 track. Evidence documented by investigators included shoe sole impressions in the snow matching Sanders’ footwear and blood observed inside the home.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on December 3,2025.
Charges filed December 1,2025:
• Aggravated Battery – results in loss or impairment of a bodily function (Level 3 Felony)
• Criminal Confinement with moderate bodily injury (Level 4 Felony)
• Criminal Confinement with bodily injury (Level 5 Felony)
• Domestic Battery resulting in serious bodily injury (Level 5 Felony)
• Domestic Battery resulting in moderate bodily injury (Level 6 Felony)
• Domestic Battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old (Level 6 Felony)
• Intimidation – threat is to commit a forcible felony (Level 6 Felony)
