Gary Man Arrested After Fleeing Police into Illinois
A man with multiple active warrants was arrested after leading officers on a high-speed pursuit that crossed state lines and ended in Illinois, according to court documents filed in Lake County.
On May 20, 2025, at approximately 9:58 p.m., officers with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department attempted a traffic stop on a blue Mazda CX7 near West 25th Avenue and Buchanan Street in Gary. The vehicle had been flagged earlier that evening in connection with a theft at a Walgreens in Highland around 6:41 p.m., where a male suspect reportedly stole a basket full of Dove body wash.
The Mazda was registered to James Joseph Jr., who had multiple active arrest warrants through Lake County and LaPorte County. As officers approached the vehicle, two unknown passengers exited before Joseph accelerated from the scene.
According to court documents, Joseph fled at high speed, disregarding stop signs and traffic signals in residential areas. Officers identified him by comparing the driver’s appearance to BMV and prior booking photos. The pursuit continued westbound onto I-80/94, where Joseph drove at excessive speeds, weaving through lanes and endangering other drivers in rainy conditions.
The pursuit moved through Gary, Highland, and Hammond, and continued into Illinois via I-294. Near the Calumet Avenue exit, Joseph nearly collided with a patrol car, forcing an officer to swerve to avoid hitting the median.
The chase ended near West 159th Street in Cook County when officers executed a PIT maneuver. Joseph refused commands to exit the vehicle, prompting the deployment of a K9 unit. K9 Pyro was released and engaged Joseph’s left leg. Officers then removed him from the vehicle, secured him in handcuffs, and transported him to a Munster hospital for treatment. He was later booked into jail.
Once in custody, Joseph stated: “I was scared. I know I got warrants.”
According to court documents, at the time of the incident Joseph had active warrants related to failure to appear in multiple jurisdictions and was facing the following pending charges:
- Theft – Level 6 Felony
- Criminal Trespass – Class A Misdemeanor
- Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
- Conversion – Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor
He also has a prior conviction for resisting law enforcement from 2022.
On May 23, 2025, James Joseph Jr. was charged with:
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 5 Felony (defendant has a prior)
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 6 Felony (defendant used a vehicle)
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 6 Felony (defendant operated a vehicle)
James Joseph Jr. is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail. Further charges are pending with other departments.
