Jovany Galicia, 33, of Chicago, Illinois, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he led officers on a multi-state pursuit in a recently stolen Honda Civic before fleeing on foot into a wooded area near the Indiana-Illinois state line.
According to court documents, a Lake County Sheriff’s Department officer was notified on May 7, 2026 that Merrillville Police were searching for a recently stolen black Honda Civic last seen traveling on Interstate 80 near Broadway. Investigators said the vehicle was later observed traveling westbound on Interstate 80 at a high rate of speed without headlights while weaving in and out of traffic.
Court documents state the officer attempted a traffic stop near Kennedy Avenue after observing unsafe lane changes. Police allege the driver accelerated away from the stop, initiating a pursuit that continued westbound on Interstate 80 into Illinois before traveling through multiple roadways in the south suburbs of Chicago.
According to the affidavit, the pursuit ended after the Honda Civic slowed due to traffic and sustained damage to a front tire after striking debris in the roadway. Investigators said Galicia allegedly bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area near Illinois State Road 394 before tripping on a branch and falling to the ground, where officers took him into custody at gunpoint.
Police said Galicia allegedly left the Honda Civic in drive as he fled, causing the vehicle to continue rolling without occupants until a K9 officer used a squad vehicle to stop it from entering traffic.
Court documents state Galicia allegedly told officers he “was wanted out of Chicago” and ran from police because “he was scared.” Investigators also said Galicia initially provided officers with an incorrect spelling of his name during the arrest.
According to investigators, Galicia later made several statements regarding the incident that led up to him fleeing in the Honda Civic. Court documents state Galicia repeatedly claimed “a man was trying to touch his genitals” and said he “shoved the man for trying to touch him.”
After being transported to Franciscan Hospital in Dyer for medical evaluation, Galicia allegedly told investigators he had been picked up on the side of the road by a white man who asked him to drive the vehicle. Galicia claimed the pair drove to the Clarion Hotel in Merrillville before going to Burger King to order food. According to court documents, Galicia said the two later parked near the hotel when the man allegedly asked if he was single and whether he “had a large penis.” Galicia further alleged the man then “tried to grab his penis,” which led to Galicia placing the vehicle into drive and leaving the area before eventually getting onto Interstate 80 toward Chicago.
Investigators also said Galicia admitted he had never possessed a driver’s license and allegedly told officers he “did not need one because he never gets pulled over.”
Police said Galicia was medically cleared at the hospital before being transported to the Lake County Jail. Court documents state investigators later discovered Galicia had active Lake County warrants in a separate Lake County case involving charges of auto theft, identity deception and theft.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges Filed May 8, 2026:
Resisting Law Enforcement Using A Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
Operating A Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving A License, Class C Misdemeanor
Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor
Giving False Information At Booking, Class C Misdemeanor
Outstanding Charges From March 16, 2026:
Auto Theft, Level 6 Felony
Identity Deception, Level 6 Felony (3 Counts)
Theft, Class A Misdemeanor
