A Chesterton woman was charged earlier this week with two felonies after police said she fired a gun 10 feet from where her two young children were sleeping.
Alyssa Bultema, 26, of Chesterton, was charged on Jan. 31 with criminal recklessness, a Level 5 felony, and neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony, according to online court records.
According to a release from Chesterton Police, Bultema was arrested on Jan. 26 following a disturbance at the Abbey Lane Apartments.
According to the CPD, at 7:28 a.m. officers were dispatched to the Abbey Lane Apartments, located off South Calumet Road across from the Chesterton Post Office, after a “domestic disturbance between family members” was reported.
Officers determined the disturbance to be verbal only in nature and subsequently cleared the scene when “the involved parties agreed to separate,” the CPD said. Less than an hour later, at 8:22 a.m., officers “returned independently” to ensure that the parties “remained separated,” out of an abundance “of caution for the wellbeing of the family members,” the CPD said.
Officers found a male subject outside attempting to repair his vehicle in the parking lot, and after a brief discussion with the man they “then sought to contact a female by knocking on the apartment door,” the CPD said. “While doing so, they heard a loud noise from within the apartment, where a verbal dispute, now between other family members, was evident.”
A female occupant of the apartment answered the door and officers found “evidence of a recent gunshot in the master bedroom,” prompting them to replay their body cameras to determine whether the loud noise they’d heard on returning to the apartment was “indeed a gunshot,” the CPD said. “Their suspicions were confirmed.”
“Additionally the officers were extremely alarmed, as they located two young children (ages 3 and 5) sleeping approximately 10 feet away,” the CPD said.
Detectives were summoned to the scene and recovered evidence of a gunshot, including a firearm, the CPD said. “Subsequent interviews with all parties involved led to a female’s ultimately confessing, describing the gunshot as accidental.”
In consultation with the Porter County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the CPD charged the Bultema with criminal recklessness, a Level 5 felony punishable by a term of one to six years; and neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony punishable by a term of six to 30 months.
“The Indiana Department of Child Services was also contacted and made aware of the incident by officers at the scene,” the CPD said.
“I commend the initial responding patrol officers for their diligence and crucial role in bringing this incident to light,” CPD Chief Tim Richardson said. “Without their years of experience and prompt follow-up investigation, this gunshot incident may have gone unreported. I also commend the investigators who gave the case prompt attention and who worked quickly with the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office to secure appropriate charges.”
“As this case remains under investigation, no further information will be disclosed at this time,” the CPD said.
For inquiries, contact Det. Sgt. Justin Frever at 219-926-1136.