Gary man damages police car during arrest

MICHIGAN CITY— On Sunday, April 21, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Trooper Benjamin Beers was on patrol in Michigan City when he stopped a tan 2004 Cadillac Escalade for an expired license plate. Trooper Beers identified the driver and obtained identifying information from the passenger. The passenger was identified as Nadan Stallings, 19, from Gary, IN. During the traffic stop, it was determined that Mr. Stallings had an active warrant in LaPorte County for Criminal Mischief.

After handcuffing Mr. Stallings, Trp. Beers placed him in the front seat of his patrol car and was attempting to fasten the seatbelt around Mr. Stallings when Mr. Stallings stated that he would not wear the seatbelt.  Mr. Stallings continued to yell vulgarities at the officers on scene, while also physically refusing to be safely secured in the police car. Mr. Stallings became so combative that he began to kick the windshield of the police car, causing extensive damage.  A Michigan City Police transport vehicle was requested and eventually able to transport Mr. Stallings to the Michigan City Police Department.  While at the police department, Stallings continued to resist arrest, battering an officer before eventually being transported to the LaPorte County Jail for booking.

Mr. Stallings is preliminary charged with the following offenses:

  • Battery on a public safety official-Level 6 felony
  • Resisting law enforcement-Class A misdemeanor
  • Criminal mischief-Class B misdemeanor
  • Disorderly conduct – Class B misdemeanor
  • Possession of marijuana-Class B misdemeanor
  • Possession of paraphernalia-Class C misdemeanor

Final charges will be determined by the LaPorte County Prosecutor.  The driver of the Cadillac was cited and released from the scene. All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.