A Hammond man is facing multiple felony charges after reportedly drawing a gun on a woman at a Facebook meetup and attempting to rob her of her car and money on May 12, 2025.
According to police reports, the victim, a 23-year-old woman, informed authorities that she planned to meet 22-year-old Daryle Craig Anderson III near his home in the 800 block of State Street in Hammond after speaking with him on Facebook. The woman drove to the place with her sister-in-law and parked near the house. Anderson apparently climbed into the rear seat of her BMW and began acting strangely.
The woman claims Anderson pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the back of her head, and demanded her vehicle, cash, and debit cards, yelling, “I’m going to take your vehicle, bitch.” She informed police that Anderson had stolen $150 in cash and two debit cards. Before he could get into the driver’s seat, the woman drove away, leaving him behind and dialing 911 from a nearby Walgreens.
Officers with the Hammond Police Department responded promptly. According to the report, Anderson was already known to officers and fit the victim’s description of a heavy-set Black male wearing a black puffy coat and dark trousers. When officers got near Anderson’s home at 11 p.m., they noticed him exiting through the back door of an apartment in the 800 block of State Street. Anderson reportedly fled back inside after spotting police officers. His mother eventually encouraged him to submit.
He was arrested without incident and taken into custody on counts of armed robbery and attempted auto theft, as well as two active arrest warrants from Lake County.
Detectives eventually secured a search order for Anderson’s home, where they discovered a handgun laser attachment and a live .45 caliber bullet. The woman had previously recognized Anderson in a Facebook photo holding two Glock handguns, including one with a laser sight, which she alleged was used in the crime.
The woman and her sister-in-law both told police that Anderson had acted suspiciously since they arrived, citing his conduct and decision to wear a bulky coat in warm weather. They also confirmed that Anderson had inappropriately touched her before making threats with the handgun.
Daryle Craig Anderson III is now facing allegations that include:
- Level 3 Felony Armed Robbery-Taking property by force or threatening use of force while armed
- Level 6 Felony – Pointing a Firearm at Another,
- Level 6 Felony – Auto Theft-Theft of entire motor vehicle.
Police previously wanted Anderson in connection with a stolen car pursuit in September 2024.
