Sarah Reese
,
Anna Ortiz
GARY — A Region travel stop that houses a gas station and a Denny’s was destroyed in a fire sparked Thursday morning. Gary firefighters worked on scene for several hours containing the flames, which had spread throughout the entire building.
Crews responded to the fire at 10:41 a.m. Thursday at Love’s Travel Stop in the 3100 block of Grant Street, said Gary Fire Department Chief Sean O’Donnell.
O’Donnell said for the most part a total of 12 Gary firefighters with aid from support staff battled the blaze Thursday, equipped with two tower ladders and two fire engines.
“The firefighters did a phenomenal job out here, with it being cold and with how we work short around here, they really did phenomenal work today,” O’Donnell said.
Due to an elevated risk of fuel tanks on the property, Gary police asked the public to avoid Grant Street from 35th Avenue to Interstate 94 Thursday afternoon.
O’Donnell said everyone was able to get out of the building by the time first responders arrived and there were no reported injuries.
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When Gary firefighters arrived, flames and smoke were visible coming from the roof. The fire spread through the travel stop, consuming the Denny’s and gas station store, evolving into a fully-involved structure fire.
O’Donnell said the building is a complete loss and an investigation is underway into the cause of the fire. The State Fire Marshal’s Office also is aiding in the investigation.
O’Donnell said it was a challenging fire that took a lot of work and time for the crew to contain. However, with how busy the department is, he hopes the city’s fire force can continue to grow.
“I am thankful to the administration who’s trying to beef up our resources, which have diminished over the years,” he said. “We have 19 firefighters starting a week from Wednesday, so hopefully that will help.”
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Alonzo Strickland
Age: 51
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201611
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kenneth Peterson
Age: 51
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201594
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: TRESPASS – PROPERTY – UNAUTHORIZED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jerry Pierson
Age: 35
Residence: Chicago Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201613
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: ARSON – KNOWINGLY OR INTENTIONALLY DAMAGES PROPERTY OF ANY PERSON WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jarrell Spires
Age: 20
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201602
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Peterman
Age: 64
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201624
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Becky Kilpatrick
Age: 39
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201612
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: CRIMINAL RECKLESSNESS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kiana King
Age: 26
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201635
Arrest Date: March 4, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Ottomanelli
Age: 54
Residence: N/A
Booking Number(s): 2201615
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Craig Pearson
Age: 40
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201598
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sophia Jeronimo
Age: 24
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201618
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Rose Johnson
Age: 31
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201601
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shaunacherie Irurhe
Age: 45
Residence: Alsip, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201600
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: ASSISTING A CRIMINAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dominique Howard
Age: 36
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201623
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kyran Hawthorne Sr.
Age: 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201620
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Adam Devine
Age: 48
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201599
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Melvin Cox
Age: 60
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201606
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Benny Darden
Age: 43
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201596
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: PUBLIC INDECENCY – INDECENT EXPOSURE – PRIOR CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Edward Day
Age: 30
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201604
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT – MOTOR VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Mark Bzdyk
Age: 46
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201622
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Desmond Clayton
Age: 26
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201614
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING – ESCAPE; BATTERY AGAINST A PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Paris Burts
Age: 28
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201609
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – POSSESSION – SCHEDULE II, III, IV
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jerry Allen
Age: 58
Residence: Harvey, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201603
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Anderson Jr.
Age: 25
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201605
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Emerson Thomas Jr.
Age: 69
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201558
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Steven Wheeler
Age: 25
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201561
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Christopher Williamson
Age: 31
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201567
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Antonio Ramon
Age: 58
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201589
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Toni Sykora
Age: 51
Residence: DeMotte, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201584
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Porche Tatum
Age: 38
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201585
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Monet
Age: 33
Residence: Schneider, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201583
Arrest Date: March 3, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Logan Moore
Age: 34
Residence: Kentland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201557
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
John Pellegrini
Age: 55
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201579
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ingemar Hall
Age: 60
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201573
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: SEX OFFENDER RESIDENCY VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nigel Jefferson
Age: 33
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201581
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
James Johnson Jr.
Age: 42
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201562
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Eric Kincaid
Age: 38
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201576
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jessica Kincaid
Age: 33
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201578
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Efren DelAngel
Age: 27
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201568
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Laurie Campbell
Age: 41
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201570
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Douglas Castillo
Age: 43
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201556
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Donald Adduci Jr.
Age: 32
Residence: South Bend, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201574
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicholas Allen
Age: 34
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201577
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Arnold Sobczak II
Age: 53
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201542
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION – STALKING VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Matthew Zrnchik
Age: 32
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201529
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ramon Santana Jr.
Age: 50
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201540
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: RAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Ruesken
Age: 41
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201526
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT – PROPERTY – POCKET-PICKING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dakota Ruel
Age: 28
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201554
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: CRIMINAL RECKLESSNESS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Elliot Richard
Age: 23
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201524
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Isiah Rodriguez
Age: 28
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201525
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – FIREARM – BY A FELON; DOMESTIC BATTERY; RESISTING – ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Christina Perez Repko
Age: 51
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201543
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION; DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Joseph Obiechie Jr.
Age: 30
Residence: Dolton, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201516
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY; STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
John Leffingwell
Age: 81
Residence: Medford, OR
Booking Number(s): 2201548
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Mark Lyons Jr.
Age: 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201519
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – FIREARM – BY A SERIOUS VIOLENT FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Georgia Kritikos
Age: 40
Residence: Morton Grove, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201535
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY – AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL; RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Felony; Misdemeanor
Devon Joshua Jr.
Age: 22
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201538
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY – PROPERTY – RESIDENTIAL ENTRY – BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Gregory Jones
Age: 42
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201534
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Charles Crabtree
Age: 57
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201552
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: ORGANIZED THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brian Donoho
Age: 45
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201530
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tommie Johnson
Age: 48
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201518
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT – PROPERTY – POCKET-PICKING – W/PRIOR CONVICTION; FRAUD – DRUG – PRESCRIPTION FRAUD; THEFT – MOTOR VEHICLE; THEFT – PROPERTY – SIMPLE – $750 TO $50,000; THEFT – PROPERTY – SIMPLE – W/PRIOR CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
D Angel Comanse
Age: 19
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201521
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – FIREARM – BY A FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Berry
Age: 54
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201553
Arrest Date: March 2, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Hunter Brennan
Age: 25
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201545
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: PUBLIC INDECENCY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Melvin Carr Jr.
Age: 25
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201515
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT – VEHICLE; BATTERY – AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Enrique Alonzo
Age: 42
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201537
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT – DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brandon Alexander
Age: 32
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201533
Arrest Date: March 1, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Joel Williams Jr.
Age: 33
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201479
Arrest Date: Feb. 28, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Chansz Wells
Age: 26
Residence: Springfield, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201471
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jacob Steele
Age: 21
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201473
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jacob Garcia
Age: 37
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201474
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Victor Powell
Age: 36
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201472
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Derek Roldan
Age: 38
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201469
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Darreon Cleveland
Age: 19
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201480
Arrest Date: Feb. 28, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tommie Bowling Jr.
Age: 63
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201470
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING – ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Mary Suffern
Age: 26
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201453
Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Justin Velez
Age: 25
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201462
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING; DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Manuel Soriano
Age: 47
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201449
Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Percy McKee
Age: 38
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201455
Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Isaiah McNeal
Age: 26
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2201457
Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD – COUNTERFEITING AND APPLICATION FRAUD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kyle Paul
Age: 23
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201463
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
James Joseph Jr.
Age: 50
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201456
Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cortney Kerwin
Age: 30
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201458
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Rock Jordan Jr.
Age: 37
Residence: Herrin, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201451
Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING – METHAMPHETAMINE – CONSPIRACY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brittney Batts
Age: 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201465
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Loren Bult
Age: 47
Residence: Dyer
Booking Number(s): 2201460
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cory Chandler
Age: 24
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2201461
Arrest Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
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