INDIANAPOLIS -- A state senator tried to persuade officers to ignore an illegal gambling operation as they raided it last week, Indianapolis police said.

Police said state Sen. Glenn Howard went to the site -- 1410 Roache St., a home that investigators said was hosting "pea shake" games -- during the raid Friday night and talked to the officers.

According to a police report, Howard said, "I know it's illegal, but they don't hurt anybody."

Police said they found illegal gambling equipment in the home. During the raid, they arrested Lance Howard, 46, on suspicion of illegal gambling.

Glenn Howard, who said he is not related to Lance Howard, told 6News'Jack Rinehart that he supports those involved in pea-shake games.

"I said if they stay in the community and give back to the community, I will stand up for them. That's exactly what I've been doing," the senator said.

Glenn Howard, D-Indianapolis, intervened on behalf of another pea-shake operation two years ago, upset that police were stopping people who were leaving the premises, Rinehart reported.

The senator told Rinehart that he had no financial interest in the games, and that he doesn't play.

"I don't even know how to play," Glenn Howard said.

The Marion County prosecutor's office is trying to determine whether to file charges against Lance Howard in connection with Friday's arrest, Rinehart reported.

Some people who live in the neighborhood of the raided home told 6News that the gambling attracts gun crime, trash, traffic and loud noise.

"We're trying to revitalize this neighborhood," said one resident whom 6News didn't identify, "and we can't do that as long as these illegal houses are allowed to be here."