Gary Man Charged After Police Chase Ends In Crash, 17-Year-Old Passenger Seriously Injured
Kovin Thomas Bell Jr., of Gary, is facing multiple felony charges after a traffic stop escalated into a police pursuit that ended in a crash, leaving a 17-year-old front-seat passenger seriously injured.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the incident occurred on January 7, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., in the area of 15th Avenue and Broadway in Gary, after a white Nissan Altima was stopped for exceeding the posted speed limit.
Court documents state Bell was identified as the driver of the vehicle through his Illinois driver’s license, which was confirmed through the booking process. A 17-year-old front-seat passenger was also inside the vehicle. Police reported the odor of burnt marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
According to the affidavit, while officers were conducting the traffic stop, Bell put the vehicle in gear and drove off heading northbound on Broadway at a high rate of speed. Court documents state the vehicle weaved in and out of lanes while traveling at a high rate of speed.
The affidavit states Bell attempted to turn eastbound onto 6th Avenue, where he lost control of the vehicle and struck a light pole, disabling the car. Court records state Bell then exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
With assistance from county, city, and state police agencies, Bell was later located hiding inside a nearby abandoned building.
Court documents state the 17-year-old passenger was transported to the hospital following the crash and underwent immediate surgery for significant internal injuries sustained in the collision.
According to court records, a loaded tan over black Palmetto State Armory firearm with an extended magazine was located on the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle. While Bell was at Southlake Methodist Hospital awaiting a medical evaluation, he was advised of his Miranda rights, waived those rights, and admitted the firearm belonged to him.
Court documents further state a computerized check of criminal history and court records revealed Bell was convicted of Aggravated Robbery with a Firearm, Felony 1, on November 8, 2017, in Madison County, Illinois.
Charges filed January 8,2026:
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon — Level 4 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury — Level 4 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement Creating a Substantial Risk of Injury — Level 5 Felony
