Joseph Jamesallen Gilbert, 27, of Hobart, is facing felony charges after police say he stole a pickup truck from a Lake Station business, led deputies on a high-speed pursuit topping 100 mph through multiple Lake County communities, and later claimed he took the vehicle to conduct his own investigation into missing people. 

According to court documents, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies spotted a black 2019 Dodge Ram on July 22 at approximately 8:22 p.m. in the area of Broadway and 24th Avenue in Gary after learning a similar truck had been reported stolen earlier that day. Deputies determined the truck was displaying an Illinois license plate registered to a different vehicle before attempting a traffic stop. 

Police allege the driver accelerated away, leading deputies on a pursuit through Gary, Lake Station and Hobart while reaching speeds of more than 100 mph. Court records allege the truck crossed into oncoming traffic to pass vehicles, disregarded multiple red lights, and ultimately struck another vehicle near Ridge Road and Arbogast Street, bringing the pursuit to an end. 

Investigators said the truck had been reported stolen earlier that day from Sigma Towing & Auto Repair on Liverpool Road in Lake Station after it had been dropped off for repairs. Surveillance video allegedly captured a man matching Gilbert’s description entering the truck before driving away. Witnesses also reportedly described a man wearing a black hoodie, light-colored pants and brown cowboy boots in the area before the theft. 

During an interview with detectives, Gilbert initially claimed a friend had given him permission to use the truck before later stating he found it at Sigma Towing. According to the affidavit, Gilbert told detectives he located the key fob near the rear of the truck and drove it away because it was “only to facilitate his own investigation of missing people.” 

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed July 24, 2026:

Auto Theft — Level 6 Felony

Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle — Level 6 

Felony

Reckless Driving — Class C Misdemeanor