Unfortunately, can't read it, behind pay wall.
Refers to court documents.
Anyone else?
Man charged in attack at search party for missing teen
"Gary man charged in connection with attack atsearch party for missing teen
By
Lizzie Kaboski
Sep 12, 2024
CROWN POINT — A 31-year-old Gary man was charged in connection with a fight that broke out last month at a search party for a missing teenage girl.
Darnell Compton Jr. was charged with felony battery by means of a deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, attempted battery against a public safety official, strangulation, misdemeanor striking a law enforcement animal, resisting law enforcement and domestic battery, Lake Criminal Court records show.
Family and friends were at a search party Aug. 24 for Ja'Niyah McMichael, 13, who
was last heard from Aug. 11. The search group was near the 5300 block of Broadway in Merrillville, according to a probable cause affidavit,when Compton showed up uninvited.
Compton shares children with McMichael's mother, the document said, and he allegedly demanded to take the children with him. McMichael's mother told police Compton had not been involved in the children's lives for a few years so she told him he could not take the kids.
Compton allegedly wrapped his hands around the woman's throat and choked her, the document said. Someone standing nearby pulled the woman out of Compton's grasp as he tried to attack her again.
Compton then punched another woman with brass knuckles, the affidavit said, and a fight ensued. Officers arrived on scene and broke up the fight. Both victims refused medical attention.
When an officer attempted to handcuff Compton, he pulled away, shoved his elbows into the officer's vest and tried to punch him, according to the document. Another officer ordered his K-9 to bite Compton and Compton repeatedly hit the dog in the face until the dog gained control.
Compton was then taken into custody. Police said his eyes were bloodshot and he smelled of alcohol.
The dog's face was swollen and his left eye was bloodshot after he was struck, the affidavit said. A veterinarian who evaluated the dog said he had a broken blood vessel and swollen jaw.
Compton's bail amount has not yet been set. He has not yet made a formal appearance in court, online records show.
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