Michigan City Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening People With Axe, Damaging Bus Shelter
Luke A. Hullinger, 45, of Michigan City, is facing multiple charges following an incident in which police say he threatened people with an axe, damaged a bus shelter, and was intoxicated near a McDonald’s restaurant.
According to court records, Michigan City police were dispatched around 10:40 p.m. on December 27, 2025, to the area of 3507 Franklin Street, Michigan City, after reports of a man intimidating people with an axe near the McDonald’s and adjacent bus stop. Dispatch advised the suspect was wearing a trench coat, carrying multiple weapons, and walking southbound in the area.
The probable cause affidavit states officers located Hullinger near Al’s Market and issued verbal commands for him to get on the ground. Hullinger initially hesitated but then dropped the items he was carrying and complied. He was placed in handcuffs and detained. Officers reported Hullinger was slurring his words and had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person.
Police recovered several items from Hullinger, including two long brooms wrapped together with aluminum tape, a wooden staff decorated with artificial flowers, and a short-handled axe with a red-taped handle. The items were moved away from Hullinger for officer safety.
Officers observed fresh damage to a bus shelter near McDonald’s, including a shattered glass panel with broken glass on the ground. Photographs of the damage were taken and attached to the police report.
Investigators reported a woman told police she arrived to pick up her daughter from work at McDonald’s and had her daughter and niece, both minors, inside her vehicle. She stated Hullinger approached her vehicle while swinging the smaller axe toward her, causing her to fear for her safety and attempt to leave the area.
The affidavit states the woman later observed Hullinger strike the bus shelter window approximately five to six times with the axe, breaking the glass. She also reported seeing Hullinger approach another vehicle in the drive-thru area while holding the axe, causing that vehicle to leave quickly.
Lodged in the Laporte County Jail.
Charges filed December 29,2025:
Luke A. Hullinger has been charged with:
• Intimidation While Drawing or Using a Deadly Weapon – Level 5 Felony
• Criminal Mischief – Level 6 Felony
• Public Intoxication – Class B Misdemeanor
