Town of Porter Police Department

06/03/2026

🚨 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING "E-BIKES" 🚨

❌ NO PEDALS = NO ROADWAY ❌

The Porter Police Department has seen a significant increase in electronically powered "bikes" being operated on town roadways, many of which are ridden by juveniles. This trend has raised serious safety concerns for riders, motorists, and pedestrians.

Many of these vehicles are marketed as "e-bikes," but under Indiana law they do not qualify as electric bicycles and are instead classified as off-road vehicles.

⚠️ If it does NOT have functional pedals, it is NOT an e-bike and cannot be legally operated on public roadways.

To qualify as an electric bicycle, a vehicle must:✅ Have functional pedals✅ Have an electric motor rated at 750 watts or less✅ Meet Indiana speed requirements

Indiana recognizes three classes of e-bikes:

🔹 Class 1 – Pedal assist only; maximum speed of 20 mph
🔹 Class 2 – Throttle-assisted; maximum speed of 20 mph
🔹 Class 3 – Pedal assist only; maximum speed of 28 mph

(Reference: Indiana Code 9-21-11-13.1 and Indiana DNR regulations)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents:Please verify that any e-bike purchased for your child complies with Indiana law. Take time to discuss safe riding practices and the importance of wearing a helmet. Helmets are strongly recommended and may be required by law.

Parents may be held responsible for allowing their children to operate off-road electric bikes on public roadways. Violations may result in citations, vehicle impoundment, and associated fees.

📞 Questions? Contact the Porter Police Department at 219-926-7611.

Please help us keep our roads safe for everyone!

05/27/2026

* UPDATE (to the) UPDATE*

Road is open and the beach is waiting for you!

12:34 PM 5/28/26

***UPDATE Porter Beach Alert UPDATE***

As of 6:00 AM 5/28/2026 the roadway remains obstructed. The appropriate utilities have been contacted however no ETA is available. Notice will be given when the roadway re-opens.

Original Post Below:

There are power lines down across Wabash Avenue. Beach residents may temporarily have trouble getting to or from their homes. Please avoid the area, NIPSCO has been notified.

05/22/2026

Today, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Samuelson was seriously wounded after being shot in the line of duty at Franciscan Health in Michigan City.

The Town of Porter Police Department stands in full support of Deputy Samuelson, his family, and the members of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time.

05/06/2026

🚪 Knock Knock… Who’s There?

If it’s a legitimate peddler in the Town of Porter, they should be properly licensed with a town issued photo ID.

Let’s be honest, nobody loves unexpected door-to-door sales visits. We get it. That’s exactly why the Town of Porter has a structured permitting process in place. It’s not about making things difficult for the seller, it’s about protecting our residents.

Why the permit process matters:
• Helps deter scams and bad actors
• Ensures only vetted individuals are going door-to-door
• Confirms businesses are legitimate and accountable
• Requires background checks and insurance coverage

How the process works:
• Application submitted with initial fees through the Clerk-Treasurer
• Background check and review by the Police Department
• Approval required by the Chief of Police
• License fees paid and permit issued
• Photo ID provided by Porter PD — must be worn and visible at all times

⏳ Important: This process can take up to 5 working days. If someone shows up claiming they “just got approved today,” that’s a red flag.

Rules peddlers must follow:
• Each person must have their own license (no sharing)
• Allowed hours: 9:00 AM to sunset, Monday through Saturday
• Must respect “No Soliciting” and “No Trespassing” signs
• Must carry proper insurance
• Must display their Porter-issued photo ID at all times

(Some exemptions apply for legitimate non-profits, religious groups, local students, and newspaper carriers.)

🚨 See something questionable?
If a solicitor isn’t displaying a permit or seems suspicious, give us a call.

📞 Porter Police Non-Emergency: (219) 926-7611

We’re here to keep things safe, and fair, for everyone.

05/02/2026

The Porter Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two individuals pictured below.

The suspects are believed to be involved in the theft of U.S. currency and lottery tickets on April 30th at approximately 9:00 PM at Pat’s Liquors. The female subject distracted the cashier while the male entered a rear office and concealed the items under his shirt.

If you recognize either individual or have any information related to this incident, please contact Sgt. Kevin Rospierski at 219-926-7611 or [email protected]

05/02/2026

Today, Officers Matt Reynolds and Joe Creed laced up and crushed the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation 5K Run to Remember, crossing the finish line in 31 minutes while wearing their full duty uniform. This special event is held to honor, remember and support families of fallen police officers.

I personally want to thank and recognize Matt and Joe for their participation, while upholding and representing the core values of our department.

Chief Dan Dickey

04/20/2026

The Porter Beach parking lot will be closed today, Monday, April 20, and tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, for maintenance and improvements.

Please plan accordingly and avoid the area during this time. We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance our town's facilities for the upcoming season.

03/30/2026

The Town of Porter is now using Savvy Citizen to communicate important news and events with residents. It’s FREE and simple for residents to sign up. For residents with smartphones 📲, simply visit the Google Play (Android) or App Store (Apple) to download the Savvy Citizen App for FREE and opt in to receive information from the Town of Porter.

💻 Those without smartphones can sign up via https://www.savvycitizenapp.com/signup and select to have text notifications or e-mails sent to them. Don’t miss out on the next notification from.

✔️ Sign up for Savvy Citizen today!

02/17/2026

Our hearts are with the City of Beech Grove Police Department this evening. An officer was murdered in a senseless act of violence. The suspect has since been taken into custody.

A message from Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice:

"It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that today we lost one of our very own, Officer Brian Elliott. Officer Elliott, along with two other Beech Grove Police Department officers, was dispatched at 6:08 p.m. to the 100 block of Diplomat Court for a disturbance. After they arrived, Officer Elliott and another officer were shot. Both officers were rushed to Eskenazi Hospital, but despite the best lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, Officer Elliott succumbed to his injuries. The other officer, who we are not naming at this time, is currently in stable condition and is expected to survive.

My heart goes out to Brian’s wife, Erin, his parents, and all of his family, friends, and loved ones. At this time, I am asking that we lean on one another to get through this.

We are grateful to the team at Eskenazi Hospital, and our law enforcement and community partners for their extraordinary response and support."

02/04/2026

Shortly after 11:00 PM on February 3, 2026, Porter Police Officer Matt Reynolds observed a pickup truck traveling at a speed in excess of 100 MPH on I-94 near the Porter/Burns Harbor exit. Officer Reynolds attempted to initiate a traffic stop; however the driver actively fled at which time a pursuit was initiated. The suspect exited onto SR 49 southbound and proceeded to lead officers on a late-night tour of the Chesterton and Porter communities. The pursuit came to an end when the suspect decided to attempt an off-road escape through a snow-covered corn field around 1050 N. and 50 East. Despite this bold strategy, the suspect vehicle eventually came to a stop in the field and the driver seated himself atop the cab of the truck. Officer Reynolds and Officer Creed assisted the suspect into a safe position and took him into custody without further resistance.
The suspect, a 24 year old male, was arrested on the following charges: Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle (Level 6 Felony), Criminal Mischief Causing Damage to an Agricultural Property (Class A-Misdemeanor), OWI-Endangering (Class A Misdemeanor), OWI B.A.C. < .15 (Class C-Misdemeanor), OWI Per Se (Class C-Misdemeanor), and Reckless Driving (Class C-Misdemeanor). Charges are merely accusations. All suspects are presumed innocent.