Gary Man’s Late-Night Drive Ends With Apology and Felony Charge
Jimmie Smith Jr., 56, of Gary, is facing a felony resisting law enforcement charge and additional counts following a vehicle pursuit late Monday night.
According to court records, a Hobart Police officer was on patrol at approximately 11:41 p.m. on January 5, 2026, when a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette was observed traveling eastbound on 49th Avenue in Gary without any visible registration displayed. The officer activated emergency lights in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued driving.
Court documents state the driver fled southbound on Tennessee Street, turned east onto 50th Place, and then south onto Ohio Court before eventually stopping in a front yard. Officers ordered the driver out of the vehicle at gunpoint, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
While being placed into wrist restraints, Smith made a spontaneous utterance, stating, “I’m sorry man, was hopin’ y’all would stop pursuin’ if I made it to my house.”
A records check later showed Smith’s Indiana identification card was suspended as of January 4, 2026, according to court filings. Smith was identified through an Indiana identification card, computer check, and his own admission.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed January 6,2026:
• Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement (Knowingly or Intentionally Forcibly Resisting or Obstructing) – Class A Misdemeanor
• Driving While Suspended – Infraction
• Improper Display of License Plate – Infraction
