A 29-year-old Merrillville man is facing multiple felony charges following an alleged road rage incident in which he reportedly pointed a firearm at a woman while her children were inside her vehicle.
According to court documents, Travis Furi Filipiak, 29, was accused in an incident that occurred around 6:23 p.m. on November 22, 2025, near West 66th Place and Jackson Street in Merrillville. Police were dispatched to the area after receiving a report of a weapon-related offense.
Court records state the complainant told officers she was driving her white Dodge Journey when she noticed a black Chevrolet sedan behind her near 61st Avenue and Harrison Street. She reported that the vehicle began following her, honking repeatedly, and continued to pursue her through the neighborhood.
The woman told police she avoided driving to her home and instead stopped near a residence she believed belonged to a law enforcement officer. According to the affidavit, the black Chevrolet pulled alongside her vehicle, and the male driver shouted at her, telling her not to do it again.
Court documents allege the man then pointed a handgun at her and threatened to kill her, while her three children were inside the vehicle. The suspect then fled eastbound on 66th Place.
The complainant attempted to follow the vehicle while calling 911 but lost sight of it. Police later documented minor property damage after the woman struck a mailbox while waiting for officers to arrive.
During a follow-up investigation, police reviewed the incident with the complainant. She later located the suspect vehicle parked near a residence on Monroe Court in Merrillville. Court records say she researched the address, identified a name associated with the residence, and later identified the suspect through a photo array.
Investigators also reviewed license plate reader data, which placed the suspect vehicle in the area at the time of the incident. Police further noted a prior incident involving the same vehicle in another Lake County community, according to court documents.
Police later contacted Filipiak, who denied pointing a firearm but admitted driving a black vehicle. He declined to participate in a formal interview.
Charges Filed January 13, 2026:
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Intimidation (Defendant Draws or Uses a Deadly Weapon) – Level 5 Felony
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Intimidation (Threat to Commit a Forcible Felony) – Level 6 Felony
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Pointing a Firearm at Another Person – Level 6 Felony