Pursuit Leads To Drug Bust After Suspect Runs In Drug House
On February 20, 2025, a Gary Police Officer was on patrol when they observed a yellow Kia being driven by Jaylon Thigpen. The officer recognized Thigpen from prior law enforcement contacts. The officer reported that Thigpen was not wearing a seatbelt and crossed the center line of the road. The officer activated their emergency lights and stopped the vehicle, near the 800 block of West 15th Avenue.
According to court documents, the officer approached Thigpen and asked for his identification, at which time the officer could smell an odor that he recognized as marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The officer also observed a firearm in the passenger seat, and Thigpen appeared to be concealing an item in his jacket. The officer then reported that Thigpen accelerated and fled the traffic stop.
The officer pursued Thigpen at a high rate of speed. Thigpen was driving on the wrong side of the road on 15th Avenue in Gary. The pursuit ended near 800 block of West 15th Avenue when the Kia crashed into a NIPSCO pole. Thigpen also nearly struck another vehicle head on before swerving out of the way. According to court documents, Thigpen exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby residence, despite being given verbal commands to stop by police.
Additional officers arrived including Gary SWAT and entered the residence, and placed Jaylon Thigpen under arrest. According to court documents, the GPD located, in plain view in the residence, both methamphetamine and fentanyl, $9,820 in what was recognized as counterfeit US Currency since all the bills had the same serial number, US Mail addressed to Jaylon Thigpen, marijuana, cocaine and a Glock10 mm handgun.
A criminal history check was conducted during the investigation on Jaylon Thigpen. Thigpen has a prior conviction for Robbery as a Class C Felony from June of 2012. This conviction qualifies Thigpen as a serious violent felon under Indiana Law.
Jaylon Thigpen has been charged with:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon: F4 Felony
Possession of a Narcotic Drug: F4 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine: F4 Felony
Possession of Cocaine: F5 Felony
Possession of a Narcotic Drug: F5 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine: F5 Felony
Possession of Cocaine: F6 Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement: F6 Felony
Counterfeiting: F6 Felony
Leave the Scene of an Accident: Class B Misdemeanor
Reckless Driving: Class B Misdemeanor
Possession of Marijuana: Class B Misdemeanor
