Man faces charges after shooting at tow truck driver

A Calumet City man is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly threatening and shooting three times at a tow truck driver in an apartment parking lot.

Lawrence R. Bolling, 37, was also charged Saturday with intimidation, pointing a firearm and resisting law enforcement.

His initial court hearing was Monday when a public defender was appointed. A bail review hearing is set for Valentine’s Day before Lake Superior Judge Samuel Cappas.

Merrillville police were called Feb. 3 for shots fired near 85th Avenue and Polo Club Drive, according to an affidavit.

The victim said he was looking for cars to tow in The Lakes at 8201 apartment complex when Bolling came holding a red plastic cup, “yelling and threatening” him.

Towing cars would get him “laid out and dropped dead,” Bolling said according to the affidavit.

The tow truck driver said he “didn’t understand”

Bolling’s problem, since he wasn’t towing his car.

Bolling got “in his face” and the man returned to his truck, while Bolling tried to push the door shut on him, according to charges.

As the victim drove off toward W. 85th, he rolled down the window and told Bolling if he parked “illegally,” he’d get towed like everyone else.

The man then heard “three booms.”

Witnesses told police the man fitting Bolling’s description walked back to the visitor parking spots holding a gun.

Officers arrested Bolling after he pulled into the McDonald’s on U.S. 30 and Taney Place. He denied he was the shooter.

En route to the Merrillville police station, Bolling yelled, “I didn’t commit a crime … it’s because I’m black, I drive a black car that you’re holding me against my will,” charges show.

Officers said he was “aggressive” and “belligerent” and took him to a holding cell. A Merrillville detective interviewed him before he was taken to the Lake County Jail.