Assault with Vehicle, Theft, and Fleeing Police
GARY — A 26-year-old Gary woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly attempting to run over her boyfriend and his mother, striking two homes, stealing a cell phone, fleeing a traffic stop, and being found in possession of marijuana.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on August 2, 2025, around 10:45 p.m., in the 300 block of Waite Street. Witnesses stated that the woman arrived in a red Chevy Impala and got into an argument with her boyfriend, which became physical. She reportedly said she was going to run him and his mother over, then drove through the front yard attempting to hit them. During the incident, the vehicle struck the front of one residence, then reversed and struck a neighbor’s home, also destroying a light pole. The woman was described as appearing highly intoxicated.
A neighbor estimated the damage to his property exceeded $750.
Later, a security guard at a truck stop on Grant Street reported a woman in a red Impala asked to borrow his phone, then drove off with it. He noted the vehicle had heavy front-end damage and was missing a front passenger-side tire.
While still on scene at the Waite Street location, officers reported hearing a scraping sound and observed a red sedan traveling north on Taney Street. The vehicle was stopped and found to be missing a front passenger tire. The female driver, identified as Tawanda M. Jones, was reportedly argumentative and showed signs of intoxication, including the odor of alcohol and unsteadiness on her feet. She was detained and placed in the back of a patrol car.
While awaiting a tow truck, Jones reportedly removed her seatbelt and handcuffs, opened the rear passenger door of the patrol vehicle, and fled on foot. Officers chased her down and brought her back into custody. She was taken to Methodist Hospital Northlake, where she allegedly continued being uncooperative, threw herself on the floor, and caused a disturbance inside the emergency department. She was eventually secured to a hospital bed, and a blood draw was conducted under a warrant.
During a vehicle inventory prior to towing, the stolen Android phone was located. A search of the trunk revealed a bag containing two glass jars with four individually packaged bags of suspected marijuana, totaling approximately 18 grams. A field test confirmed the presence of THC.
Charges filed August 4, 2025:
• Intimidation (Draws or Uses a Deadly Weapon) – Level 5 Felony (2 counts)
• Escape (Basic Offense) – Level 5 Felony
• Operating While Intoxicated Endangering a Person – Class A Misdemeanor
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Class B Misdemeanor (2 counts)
• Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor
Currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
