Michigan City Police Department

10/21/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Lieutenant Steven Westphal – Michigan City Exchange Club Officer of the Year!

The Michigan City Police Department is proud to recognize Lieutenant Steven Westphal as the recipient of the Michigan City Exchange Club Officer of the Year Award!

A 34-year veteran of MCPD, Lt. Westphal has dedicated his career to serving the Michigan City community with professionalism, integrity, and leadership. Throughout his career, he has served in nearly every role and division within the department, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience that he continues to share with fellow officers.

What truly sets Lt. Westphal apart is his commitment to mentoring others and developing the next generation of police officers and leaders. His willingness to teach, encourage teamwork, and empower those around him has made a lasting impact on the department.

In his nomination letter, Officer Pytynia highlighted Lt. Westphal's dedication to his fellow officers and his desire to "leave MCPD better than he found it." Through the officers he has mentored, the leaders he has helped develop, and the positive culture he continues to foster, he is doing exactly that.

Please join us in congratulating Lt. Steven Westphal on this well-deserved recognition!
Thank you, Lt. Westphal, for your 34 years of dedicated service, your leadership, and your continued commitment to making MCPD and our community better.

👏 Congratulations, Lieutenant Westphal!

10/19/2026

🖤💙 HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF RETIRED MCPD OFFICER STEVEN P. GUTOWSKI 💙🖤

With heavy hearts, the Michigan City Police Department shares the passing of retired Officer Steven P. Gutowski, who died on October 15, 2026, at age 70.

Officer Gutowski proudly served the Michigan City Police Department for 25 years, dedicating much of his life to protecting and serving Michigan City residents.

A career in law enforcement is more than a profession. It is a commitment to public service, sacrifice, and the responsibility of making a difference in the lives of others. Throughout his 25 years of service, Officer Gutowski was part of the department's history and the law enforcement family that continues to serve our community today.

While his years of active duty may have ended with retirement, his service and contributions to the Michigan City Police Department will not be forgotten.

On behalf of Chief Steven Forker and the entire Michigan City Police Department, we extend our deepest condolences to Steve's wife, Esther, his children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time.

Thank you for your 25 years of dedicated service, Officer Gutowski. Your duty is complete, and your legacy of service will live on.

Funeral arrangements and obituary:
https://www.otthaverstock.com/obituary/Steven-Gutowski

10/08/2026

When attending please ensure dogs are on leashes & cats are secured in carriers.

10/07/2026

***PRESS RELEASE-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Contact: Detective Amber Marty
Telephone: (219) 874-3221; Ext. 1011
Email: [email protected]

LA PORTE COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE SEIZE FENTANYL, MAKE ARREST DURING INVESTIGATION

Indiana HIDTA Initiative Leads Coordinated Enforcement Effort Resulting in Arrest

Detectives with the La Porte County Drug Task Force, an Indiana HIDTA Initiative, conclude a criminal investigation with an arrest and the seizure of more than 50 grams of fentanyl. This investigation was conducted as part of the Task Force’s continued efforts to identify and disrupt criminal activity involving the distribution of fentanyl.

"This arrest reflects months of disciplined investigative work, and it should send a clear message: if you bring fentanyl into this community, we will find you, we will build the case, and we will hold you accountable,” said Michigan City Chief of Police Steven Forker.” I want to thank the officers and our partner agencies who saw this through. To anyone struggling with addiction — help is available and choosing it is never a sign of weakness. To anyone selling poison to our neighbors, the next knock on the door may be ours."

The La Porte County Drug Task Force continues to work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate crimes involving illegal fi****ms, controlled substances, and violent criminal activity throughout La Porte County. Detectives encourage members of the public to report suspicious activity and information related to illegal weapons or drug trafficking. Additionally, police and public health officials recognize that this investigation may create a need for further resources. Those seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Michigan City Police Department Social Worker at (219) 874-3221 for support and inquiries.

Johnathan Turner was arrested as a result of this investigation for dealing in a narcotic drug as a level 2 felony and his booking photograph is attached courtesy of the La Porte County Jail. Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Detective Amber Marty at 219-874-3221 or email at [email protected].

10/07/2026

🔎 MCPD Flock Safety Transparency Portal

Learn how MCPD uses Flock Safety technology, including its safeguards, policies, data retention, and privacy protections.

Flock cameras detect license plates and vehicles—not people, faces, race, or gender.

🔗 https://transparency.flocksafety.com/michigan-city-in-pd

Transparency. Accountability. Public Safety.

10/05/2026

***PRESS RELEASE-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Date: October 5th, 2026
To: All Media
From: Captain Kevin Urbanczyk-Public Information Officer
Re: Fatal crash closes the 4400 block of East Michigan Boulevard for several hours

On October 4th at 8:20 A.M., the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle crash in the 4400 block of East Michigan Boulevard. Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 1 and the Traffic Division responded to the scene where they located a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck and a two-axle enclosed trailer resting along a guardrail on the north side of the roadway. Responding officers observed the driver had serious bodily injuries and was unresponsive. The driver was eventually pronounced deceased at the scene and identified as 30-year-old LaPorte resident Matthew Borders.

A preliminary investigation into this crash revealed Borders was traveling east in the 4400 block of East Michigan Boulevard while towing the enclosed trailer. The pickup truck and trailer crossed left of center and both westbound lanes before making impact with a guardrail and overhead signpost along the north side of the roadway. The pickup truck and trailer sustained extensive damage from the crash and came to a rest along the north side of East Michigan Boulevard. Contents from inside the trailer were scattered across the roadway due to the impact. The 4400 block of East Michigan Boulevard was closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene, collected evidence and cleared the roadway. Toxicology results are currently pending. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

The Michigan City Police Department is requesting anyone who may have witnessed this incident, has any additional information or has cell phone video of this incident to contact lead investigator Officer Thomas Dolph at (219) 874-3221; Ext. 1008 or via email at [email protected]. Other responding agencies who assisted with this investigation include the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, Trail Creek Police Department, Long Beach Police Department, LaPorte County EMS, Michigan City Fire Department and LaPorte County Coroner’s Office.

We would also like to remind the public that you can contact us via Facebook Messenger or on our webpage at www.police.michigancityin.gov. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 342-STOP, by completing an online submission form at www.michianacrimestoppers.com, or by calling the WeTip Hotline for General Crime (800) 78-CRIME and possibly receive a reward upon an arrest and conviction. All WeTip call information is sent directly to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office. You can always request to remain anonymous!

10/05/2026

***PRESS RELEASE-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Date: October 5th, 2026
To: All Media
From: Captain Kevin Urbanczyk-Public Information Officer
Re: Arrest made in shooting investigation

On October 3rd at approximately 11:19 P.M., the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a person that was shot in the Senior Center parking lot located at 2 On the Lake. Shortly after this call is when officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 3 received a Flock Raven gunshot detection notification coming from this area. Officers responded to the scene and located a 43-year-old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the lower back and abdomen. Responding officers provided life saving measures to the victim before he was flown from Lot 1 to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Officers were then dispatched to Franciscan Health Hospital in Michigan City at approximately 11:38 P.M. for a 32-year-old female who arrived with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her right leg. 25-year-old Indianapolis, Indiana resident John Holmes was arrested at the hospital for Possession of a Fi***rm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony) and Obstruction of Justice (Level 6 Felony) while officers investigated the female victim’s injury.

Investigators from the Evidence Response Unit, Investigative Division, and Uniform Patrol Shift 3 processed multiple scenes for evidence and interviewed witnesses. Holmes’s arrest photo is attached to this press release courtesy of the LaPorte County Jail. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

The Michigan City Police Department is requesting anyone who may have witnessed this incident, has any additional information or has cell phone video of this incident, to contact lead investigator Lieutenant Anna Painter at (219) 874-3221; Extension 1077 or via email at [email protected]. Other first responders who assisted with this incident include the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, Long Beach Police Department, Trail Creek Police Department, Michigan City Fire Department, LaPorte County EMS, and Lutheran Air.

We would also like to remind the public that you can contact us via Facebook Messenger or on our webpage at www.police.michigancityin.gov. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 342-STOP, by completing an online submission form at www.michianacrimestoppers.com, or by calling the WeTip Hotline for General Crime (800) 78-CRIME and possibly receive a reward upon an arrest and conviction. All WeTip call information is sent directly to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office. You can always request to remain anonymous!

Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

10/05/2026

🚨🚨MCPD Investigating Shooting🚨🚨

The Michigan City Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred overnight near the Michigan City Senior Center.

Officers responded to the area after receiving a report of a gunshot victim and immediately rendered aid until EMS arrived. During the investigation, officers learned that a second individual suffering from a gunshot wound had arrived at Francisican Hospital.

One individual is currently in custody in connection with the altercation, and the investigation remains active.

Based on the information developed during the investigation, this appears to have been an isolated incident involving the individuals involved. There is no known ongoing threat to the public.

MCPD would like to thank the officers and investigators who responded, along with the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, Long Beach Police Department, and Trail Creek Police Department for their assistance.

Additional information will be released when appropriate as the investigation continues.

10/03/2026

🚔 MICHIGAN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HIRING 🚔

Whether you’re looking to start your law enforcement career or you’re already a certified officer ready for a new opportunity, MCPD wants to hear from you.

For new applicants who are not currently law enforcement certified, our next hiring event will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 8:00 AM at the Michigan City Police Department. Applications for this process must be submitted by Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

For certified law enforcement officers, MCPD is offering an expedited lateral hiring process. Apply now and a member of our command staff will contact you to discuss the process and opportunities available. Certified officers will be placed at the appropriate salary, longevity, and vacation tier based on their years of qualifying service, with benefits beginning on Day One.

MCPD offers competitive pay, take-home vehicles with off-duty use, specialty assignments, higher education and specialty pay, health and retirement benefits, access to a free family health clinic (NorthShore), overtime opportunities, and room to grow throughout the department.

Beginning in 2027, the Patrol Division will begin a one-year trial of a 12-hour shift schedule, while the Services Division operates on 10-hour workdays. Personal and sick leave are credited day-for-day based on assignment.

If you’ve been thinking about a career in law enforcement—or thinking about making a move to Northwest Indiana—this is the time.

👉 Apply at https://police.michigancityin.gov/become-an-officer/apply/

📍 Michigan City Police Department
1201 E. Michigan Blvd.
Michigan City, IN 46360

Questions? Contact Asst. Chief Dave Cooney – Chief of Services at (219) 874-3221 Ext. 1082 or [email protected].

Take the next step in your law enforcement career. Start your application to join the Michigan City Police Department today.

10/02/2026

It is with a heavy heart that the Michigan City Police Department announces the passing of retired Lieutenant John Pliske. He passed away today while staying with family in Colorado. Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with Lieutenant Pliske's family during this difficult time.

Lieutenant Pliske began his law enforcement career with the Indiana State Police. He was then hired by the Michigan City Police Department on August 12th, 1965, and served our community with the utmost pride, professionalism, and dedication for 37 years before retiring on June 18th, 2003.

During Lieutenent Pliske's career, he served in the Patrol, Traffic and K9 Divisions. He was designated as a Field Training Officer and SWAT Team Commander. Lieutenant Pliske received a plethora of accolades throughout his career and oversaw the Michigan City Police Department's Cadet Program sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. He even served in the Yachting Competition during the 1987 Pan American Games.

Lieutenant Pliske continued serving our community as a Commissioner on the Michigan City Police Civil Service Commission for 11 years from 2009 to 2020. He served our community as a law enforcement officer and police commissioner for a combined total of 48 years. He enjoyed staying fit and was always working out at the Michigan City Police Department well after his retirement.

As we mourn the loss of Lieutenant Pliske, please take a moment to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. He will forever be in our memories and we appreciate his friendship, dedication to the law enforcement profession, and the public service to our community.

Visitation will take place at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, located at 418 Washington Street in Michigan City on October 9th from 5:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. A graveside service will then take place at Greenwood Cemetery, located at 153 Tilden Avenue in Michigan City on October 10th at 10:00 A.M.

Rest in peace Lt.