Alfredo Ramos, 28, of East Chicago, has been charged after police allege he crashed an SUV into an East Chicago home, causing more than $50,000 in damage before driving away from the scene. 

According to court documents, East Chicago police were flagged down at approximately 10:38 p.m. on July 14 in the 5000 block of Indianapolis Boulevard regarding a property damage crash involving a residence. The owner of a nearby business told police he witnessed a vehicle crash into a home across the street before immediately fleeing the scene. A short time later, he observed what appeared to be the same vehicle stopped during a traffic stop. 

Police had stopped a heavily damaged black 2004 Acura MDX near the intersection of 148th Street and Olcott Avenue. Investigators reported the SUV had significant front-end damage, multiple flat tires, leaking fluids and was missing its front bumper. Ramos allegedly told police the damage had been caused by a coworker known only as “Chris.” Because officers had not yet connected the SUV to the crash, Ramos was released and the disabled vehicle was towed.

After learning about the reported hit-and-run, officers responded to the home in the 500 block of West Columbus Drive, where they found extensive damage to the front porch. Police reported large pieces of structural wood, roofing material and porch debris scattered across the property. The front basement entry door had also been completely torn from the residence. Officers recovered the Acura’s front bumper at the scene, which investigators determined matched the SUV stopped earlier. 

Police later located Ramos walking near his residence and took him into custody. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Ramos allegedly told investigators he had received a text message from an unidentified woman stating she had crashed his vehicle into the home and asking him to retrieve it. Ramos allegedly said he went to the scene, entered the damaged SUV through the passenger side because the driver’s door would not open, and drove it away before being stopped by police. He also allegedly said he intended to contact police after arriving home. When investigators asked him to identify the woman or produce the text messages, Ramos allegedly said he did not know her name and had deleted the messages from his phone. Police reported they observed no signs of impairment during the interview. 

According to court documents, the homeowner told police the damage exceeded $50,000 and said nearly the entire front portion of the home, including part of the basement area, sustained significant damage. Investigators stated they found no evidence supporting Ramos’ claim that an unidentified woman had been driving the SUV. 

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed July 15, 2026:

Criminal Vandalism (Level 6 Felony)

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Damage to Unattended Property (Class B Misdemeanor)