Mikal Naeem Morocco, 24, of Gary, has been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses following a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash while an infant was inside the car.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed January 20, 2026, the incident took place on January 17, 2026, around 12:16 p.m., near Ridge Road and Pierce Street in Gary.
Court documents indicate a deputy spotted a maroon Dodge Durango driving without a visible registration plate and attempted a traffic stop. When the deputy approached the driver, identified as Morocco, he detected the smell of burnt marijuana inside the vehicle. Morocco denied having marijuana in the car but admitted he had smoked inside it the previous night.
The affidavit states officers asked Morocco to exit the vehicle due to the odor. At that moment, Morocco allegedly shifted the vehicle into drive and fled, prompting a pursuit westbound on Ridge Road and northbound on Johnson Street. Morocco reportedly continued at high speeds, ignoring emergency lights and sirens.
Near 35th Avenue and Johnson Street, Morocco tried to turn eastbound but lost control due to icy conditions and speed, striking a fence and disabling the vehicle at a residence in the 1400 block of West 35th Avenue.
After the crash, officers discovered a one-year-old child seated in the back who needed medical attention. The child’s mother, also a passenger and pregnant, told officers the infant might be injured. Both were evaluated by medical personnel and cleared at the scene.
The affidavit notes Morocco fled on foot after the crash but was found and taken into custody in an alley behind a nearby residence. During a search, officers found a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine and a live round on the roof of a nearby home where Morocco had exited the vehicle.
Records show the firearm was traced and cleared, and Morocco was legally permitted to possess it.
Charges filed January 20, 2026:
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Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony (two counts)
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Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor