Pierre D. Campbell, 24, of East Chicago, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after Hammond police say he fled from officers during a traffic stop, led them on a vehicle pursuit, and then ran on foot while throwing a firearm.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the incident happened on January 26, 2026, while detectives were assisting in the search for a woman with an active warrant. Officers conducting surveillance saw a man leave a residence, start a silver Chevrolet Impala, go back inside, then return and drive away.
Detectives noticed the vehicle’s license plate was completely covered in snow and attempted a traffic stop near 175th Street and Walnut Avenue. Officers identified the driver as Campbell using an Indiana identification card. Campbell told officers he did not have a valid driver’s license.
As detectives tried to remove him from the vehicle, officers saw Campbell lean toward the center console area. Believing he may have been reaching for a weapon, an officer drew his firearm and ordered Campbell to show his hands. Instead, Campbell put the vehicle in drive and fled.
Police pursued Campbell through several Hammond streets until stop sticks were deployed. Despite the tire deflation, Campbell continued driving back toward the Columbia Avenue area, exited the vehicle, and ran.
During the foot chase in an alley in the 7600 block, officers saw Campbell pull a long black firearm from his jacket and throw it while running. Detectives continued the pursuit as Campbell jumped a fence and resisted attempts to take him into custody. Officers reported he continued reaching underneath his body and refused to show his hands before being handcuffed.
An evidence technician later recovered the firearm from the snow near a garage. The weapon was identified as a Zastava ZPAP Model 85 semi-automatic pistol, commonly referred to as a “Draco”-style AK-47 pistol. The magazine, which had been ejected, contained 22 live rounds.
Court records showed Campbell has a prior conviction for carrying a handgun without a license and is currently under indictment in Lake County for resisting law enforcement with a vehicle.
Charges filed January 28, 2026:
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Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun – Level 5 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement With a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor (two counts)