Ashley Nicole Lee, 34, of Elkhart, has been charged in LaPorte County after Michigan City police allegedly found her inside a stolen SUV that had been tracked from Elkhart to Michigan City using the owner’s GPS application.

According to police, officers were dispatched around 8 a.m. Aug. 1 to the area of East 8th Street and Pine Street after the owner of a white Subaru Crosstrek reported the vehicle stolen. The owner told officers she had left the SUV locked outside an Elkhart bar the previous night after getting a ride home because she was too intoxicated to drive. The next morning, she used the Subaru mobile app and discovered the vehicle’s ignition was on. The app showed the SUV in Michigan City, prompting her to call 911.

When officers arrived, Lee was allegedly the only person inside the vehicle. The owner confirmed she did not know Lee and had not given anyone permission to use the SUV. Police reported the vehicle’s keys, which had been inside the owner’s purse the night before, were missing.

Investigators said Lee denied stealing the vehicle and denied ownership of numerous bags, luggage, electronics, clothing and other items found inside. She reportedly told officers another individual had possession of the SUV and had picked her up in Michigan before leaving about an hour before police arrived. The vehicle owner also stated she did not know that individual and had not authorized him to use her vehicle.

While searching the SUV, officers reported finding glass pipes commonly associated with drug use inside the glove compartment. Police also recovered numerous items that neither Lee nor the vehicle owner claimed, including identification cards belonging to multiple people, electronic devices, luggage, clothing and other personal property. Those items were taken into safekeeping while investigators attempt to identify their rightful owners. Officers also recovered a bottle containing prescription medication, but noted Lee was not charged in connection with those pills because they were not within her immediate reach.

Police said they later confirmed Lee was wanted on a nationwide parole violation warrant.

Lodged in the Laporte County Jail.

Charges filed Aug. 3, 2026:

Auto Theft — Level 6 Felony

Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle — Class B Misdemeanor

Possession of Paraphernalia — Class C Misdemeanor