A northwestern Indiana teenager was taken into custody on Tuesday after allegedly throwing objects and causing damage to cars in December.
Phillip J. Duffus, 18, of Gary, is charged with felony criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor criminal mischief in relation to the incident.
According to the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on December 13, 2025, when several motorists claimed that their vehicles had been damaged by an object while traveling on U.S. 421.
The motorists informed deputies that objects were thrown from a car going in the opposite way, causing varied degrees of damage. Officials said the events happened between West County Road 200 North and West County Road 1800 South.
Two detectives were assigned to the inquiry, and they eventually identified Duffus and one other person as the primary suspects in the incidents.
Following the investigators’ presentation of their findings to the prosecutor’s office, Duffus was issued two arrest warrants. He was arrested on March 31 and brought into the LaPorte County Jail on four counts of felony criminal recklessness and four counts of misdemeanor criminal recklessness.
However, on April 1, the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office charged Duffus with one count each. After his initial hearing, Duffus secured a $750 bond and was freed.
Duffus is set to appear in court on April 29 for a status of council hearing.
Regarding the other suspect, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation into their role is ongoing.
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