Gary Man Charged With Kidnapping and Rape Following Police Chase

GARY, Ind. — A Gary man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman he had recently met at a train station, then fleeing police in a stolen vehicle before being apprehended.

Authorities say Quaterris Maurice Allen Franklin met the victim on September 15, 2025, at the Clark Road train station. Over the next few days, Franklin reportedly made repeated calls to her and appeared to stalk her. On September 18, police allege he lured her into a vehicle, drove to a secluded location, strangled her until she lost consciousness, and assaulted her while making threats to kill her.

The victim disclosed the assault to family members, leading to medical care and police involvement. Investigators recovered a condom consistent with the victim’s account.

Later that day, Franklin allegedly fled from officers in a stolen Chevrolet Trailblazer, leading police through Merrillville and Gary before crashing. He continued on foot with a firearm but was apprehended shortly thereafter, with a handgun recovered along his route.

On September 20, 2025, prosecutors formally filed charges against Franklin and indicated plans to pursue a habitual offender enhancement due to prior felony convictions.

Charges Filed:

Rape – when compelled by force or imminent threat (Level 3 Felony)
Kidnapping with serious bodily injury (Level 3 Felony)
Criminal Confinement resulting in serious bodily injury (Level 3 Felony)
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony)
Criminal Confinement where a vehicle is used (Level 5 Felony)
Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (Level 5 Felony)
Kidnapping where committed by using a vehicle (Level 5 Felony)
Strangulation (Level 6 Felony)
Sexual Battery – victim compelled by force or threat (Level 6 Felony)
Intimidation – threat to commit a forcible felony (Level 6 Felony)
Resisting Law Enforcement – uses a vehicle (Level 6 Felony)
Resisting Law Enforcement – forcibly resists/obstructs (Class A Misdemeanor)
Reckless Driving causing property damage (Class B Misdemeanor)

No trial dates have been announced as the case proceeds through the court system.

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