A Merrillville man, 25-year-old Joseph Steven Sanders, has been charged in Lake County after investigators detailed a violent incident that they say caused significant injuries during an alleged domestic battery and confinement on November 29, 2025.
According to the probable cause affidavit, officers responded to a Merrillville home after receiving a report that a man had fled on foot following a disturbance involving injuries. Investigators saw visible damage to a window and the front door when they arrived. Inside, they found an individual crouched near a closet with a young child, reporting that Sanders had battered her before fleeing.
Court records state that earlier that evening, Sanders and the individual were discussing their relationship when he allegedly became upset, left, and later returned in his vehicle. Investigators reported that when he came back, Sanders threw a shovel through a front window before forcing his way into the home. According to the affidavit, he punched the individual in the nose and right eye, knocking her to the floor. He is accused of getting on top of her, pinning her legs with his knees, restraining her arms, and striking her several more times. Court documents also state he placed both hands around her neck for several seconds before releasing her.
Affidavit details indicate he then allegedly slapped her hard on the right ear, causing immediate pain and temporary hearing loss. Investigators documented injuries consistent with a suspected broken nose, an injured eardrum, swelling, bruising, and redness. The individual later drove herself to the hospital for medical care.
Investigators noted that a young child was in a nearby room during the incident but did not wake up during the altercation.
According to the affidavit, Sanders made statements interpreted as threats about what would happen before police arrived. He fled on foot but was later found inside a garage at another residence after a K-9 track. Investigators documented evidence including shoe impressions in the snow that matched Sanders’ footwear and blood inside the home.
Sanders was booked into the Lake County Jail on December 3, 2025.
Charges filed December 1, 2025:
• Aggravated Battery – results in loss or impairment of a bodily function (Level 3 Felony)
• Criminal Confinement with moderate bodily injury (Level 4 Felony)
• Criminal Confinement with bodily injury (Level 5 Felony)