Hobart Man Charged After Vehicle Pursuit, Threat Toward Officer
A 57-year-old Hobart man, Derek Shawn Ebeltoft, is facing felony charges following an incident that began as a traffic stop and ended with his arrest.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on January 8, 2026, at approximately 11:17 a.m., a Lake County Sheriff’s Officer observed a red Ford Escape commit a traffic violation near 25th Avenue and Harrison Street in Gary.
The affidavit states the officer attempted a traffic stop after observing the vehicle turn without signaling. After activating emergency lights, the vehicle continued westbound on 26th Avenue. The officer then activated sirens and observed the driver look into the rearview mirror but continue driving for multiple blocks before stopping near 26th Avenue and Fillmore Street.
Once stopped, the driver was identified as Ebeltoft and was taken into custody. The affidavit states Ebeltoft claimed he did not know law enforcement was attempting to stop him.
During the investigation, officers learned Ebeltoft had an active felony warrant out of Porter County, according to the affidavit. A female passenger told officers that Ebeltoft acknowledged he was being pulled over but did not want to stop until reaching his residence. She further stated she asked him to stop or let her out of the vehicle, but he refused.
While being transported to the Lake County Jail, the affidavit states Ebeltoft became hostile and made multiple hateful and vulgar comments toward the officer. At one point, he allegedly threatened the officer, stating he was going to “kick you in the face.”
Ebeltoft was booked into the Lake County Jail. The female passenger took possession of the vehicle, according to the affidavit.
Charges filed January 9,2026
• Intimidation: Threat to Commit a Forcible Felony – Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
Pending Case – Porter County
Court records show Ebeltoft also has a pending case out of Porter County involving the following charges:
• Possession of Methamphetamine (5–10 grams) – Level 5 Felony
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Controlled Substances) – Level 6 Felony
• Unlawful Possession of a Syringe – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia – Misdemeanor
