Man Arrested After Allegedly Stalking Woman and Attempting to Flee Police in Cedar Lake
CEDAR LAKE — A Demotte man was arrested Friday morning after police say he stalked a woman to a Cedar Lake restaurant parking lot and attempted to flee when officers confronted him.
According to an advisory released by the Cedar Lake Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:30 a.m. on March 13 to the parking lot of Harry O’s in Cedar Lake for what was initially reported as a possible road rage incident.
When officers arrived, Detective Marcus McDowell made contact with the suspect vehicle, driven by Aaron Braun, 41, of Demotte. Police say when McDowell ordered Braun out of the vehicle, he attempted to flee by locking the door and driving forward. Braun was ultimately taken into custody by Det. McDowell and Corporal Jake Huppenthal.
Investigators determined Braun had allegedly been following a 24-year-old woman from Lowell before cutting off another vehicle to turn into the Harry O’s parking lot so he could continue following her.
Police say the investigation revealed Braun had been following the woman from Strack & Van Til in Lowell, where the victim works. Authorities determined Braun had previously worked at the store roughly two years ago and had been stalking the woman, who was known to him only through that workplace.
According to police, Braun initially told officers the woman was his wife, but investigators determined there had never been a relationship between the two and that the woman did not know Braun personally.
During the investigation, Braun reportedly made additional alarming statements, telling officers the woman was “technically his wife because they are polar opposites,” which he believed made them married.
The victim also told police Braun had previously come to her workplace asking questions about her and had said he was “looking for a wife.”
Braun was transported to the Lake County Jail, where he was booked on the following charges:
• Stalking — Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement — Class A Misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving — Class C Misdemeanor
Police officials also commended Detective Marcus McDowell for his quick actions and detailed investigation that led to the charges.
