Gary Man Faces Felony Charges After Lyft Assault
Quintonio Roshell is in custody after allegedly choking a driver and striking a house with a vehicle.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Violence
Police in Gary have charged 19-year-old Quintonio Roshell with felony strangulation, battery, and intimidation. Authorities report the incident escalated when Roshell allegedly choked his Lyft driver, causing the vehicle to crash into a residential property.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the dangers faced by ride-share operators and the immediate public safety risk posed when such confrontations occur during active driving. The case underscores local law enforcement's commitment to addressing vehicular violence involving passenger service providers.
Quintonio Roshell faces multiple felony counts including strangulation and battery, alongside a misdemeanor charge of criminal recklessness. He remains in police custody under a bail set at $40,000 surety or $4,000 cash.
The players
Quintonio Roshell
The 19-year-old resident of Gary who faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
Gary Police Department
The local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the assault and filing the formal charges.
The details
Following a struggle in the back seat, the driver reportedly pressed the gas pedal, leading to a collision at 37th Avenue and Madison Street. A witness observed the accused chasing the victim with a steel baseball bat after the crash, while dashboard footage corroborated the interior assault.
Timeline
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The accused remained in custody as of Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows established protocols under the Indiana criminal code regarding felony strangulation, reinforcing the state's legal framework for prosecuting violent assaults. Such charges reflect ongoing efforts by local authorities to penalize aggressive behavior that endangers the public.
The crash at 37th Avenue and Madison Street serves as a reminder for residents to report erratic vehicle behavior immediately. Local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safety protocols for ride-share interactions to prevent similar dangerous confrontations.
The takeaway
Drivers in ride-share programs should remain aware of their surroundings and utilize available internal recording equipment for protection. Prioritizing personal safety remains the most effective defense when unexpected physical altercations occur inside a vehicle.
Further reading
For more information on public safety in the region, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nwitimes.
