Stefa N. Depaul White, 21, of Gary, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police allege he fled the scene of a violent crash in East Chicago that seriously injured a pedestrian.
According to court documents, East Chicago Police officers were patrolling near Ralo’s Cocktail Lounge in the 3900 block of Alder Street around 2:54 a.m. on May 10 due to large crowds and prior reports of shots fired in the area following bar closings.
Police said officers observed several vehicles speeding and disregarding stop signs near the intersection of 140th Street and Alder Street before seeing a white Jeep Grand Cherokee and a gray Dodge Avenger traveling at high rates of speed toward the intersection.
Investigators allege the two vehicles collided in the intersection, causing the Jeep to spin out of control, strike a stop sign, and then hit a pedestrian standing on the sidewalk near 4002 Alder Street. Police said the pedestrian was thrown approximately 8 to 10 feet into a brick wall.
Court documents state the pedestrian was found unconscious and suffering severe injuries, including blood coming from the mouth, nose, cheek, and eye. Police said the victim was transported to St. Catherine Hospital before later being transferred to a hospital in Chicago due to the severity of the injuries.
Investigators allege White and another passenger exited the Jeep immediately after the crash and fled on foot. Officers reportedly identified White through witness identification, BMV records, license plate reader data, surveillance footage, and a later photo array identification.
Police said the Jeep involved in the crash was registered to White and his mother. Court documents allege White reported the vehicle stolen to Gary Police approximately 15 minutes after the crash occurred. Officers noted in reports that White allegedly displayed signs of intoxication while making the report, including slurred speech, glossy eyes, slowed responses, and difficulty maintaining conversation.
Investigators reviewed East Chicago surveillance footage that allegedly showed the Jeep entering the city around 1:44 a.m., parking near the bar district, and later speeding through the intersection moments before the collision. Police also executed a search warrant on the Jeep, recovering items allegedly linked to White from inside the vehicle, including casino cards and a framed photograph.
According to court documents, the victim underwent multiple surgeries and remained hospitalized in intensive care while recovering.
Police said White was arrested May 19 after arriving at the East Chicago Police Department with his mother to attempt to have the Jeep released to an insurance company.
Charges filed May 21, 2026:
- Causing Serious Bodily Injury When Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated — Level 5 Felony
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident — Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Bodily Injury — Class A Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person — Class A Misdemeanor
- Reckless Driving Causing Bodily Injury — Class A Misdemeanor
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Failure to Immediately Stop — Class B Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated — Class C Misdemeanor
- Reckless Driving / Unsafe Speed — Class C Misdemeanor
