Porter County

HEBRON — Three Chicago-area men are facing criminal charges after police say a retail theft spree targeting multiple Walgreens stores ended with a vehicle pursuit, foot chase, and the discovery of cocaine and marijuana.

According to the Hebron Police Department, officers were dispatched to Walgreens, 308 N. Main Street, at approximately 8:49 p.m. on June 1 for a reported retail theft. Store employees reported that three men had stolen merchandise and fled in a blue Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Corporal Wood quickly located a vehicle matching the description leaving the area and attempted a traffic stop. Court documents allege the Jeep, which had Illinois license plates and a malfunctioning taillight, initially stopped twice before continuing to flee from officers.

The pursuit continued through Porter County and into Lake County before entering Interstate 65. Police ultimately ended the chase near Ridge Road and I-65 after executing a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing the Jeep to come to rest against a concrete barrier.

Authorities said all three occupants immediately exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended by responding officers.

During the investigation, officers discovered a white powdery substance on the ground near the vehicle after the suspects fled. According to court records, the substance field-tested positive for cocaine. Marijuana was also reportedly located inside the vehicle’s center console.

Investigators later determined the three suspects had allegedly committed thefts at two additional Walgreens locations before arriving in Hebron.

Police said a search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 17 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 6 grams of suspected marijuana, and a large amount of stolen merchandise. Authorities estimate the value of the stolen property, consisting primarily of cosmetics and alcohol, at approximately $4,133.87.

Arrested were:

Joshua A. Salinas, of the Chicago area, who is charged with:

  • Possession of a Narcotic Drug (10 to 28 Grams), Level 4 Felony
  • Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
  • Theft, Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor

Christion A. Hudson, 20, of Chicago, who was arrested on:

  • Possession of Cocaine, Level 4 Felony
  • Theft, Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor

Xavier F. Gonzalez, 20, of Chicago, who was arrested on:

  • Possession of Cocaine, Level 4 Felony
  • Theft, Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor

All three men were transported to the Porter County Jail following their arrests.

The Hebron Police Department was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Hobart Police Department, and Porter County Dispatch.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.