LaPorte Man Charged After Stolen Vehicle Pursuit On I-94 Ends With Dogs Found Inside Vehicle
Jerry Marcus Stokes, 42, of LaPorte, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following a stolen vehicle pursuit in Porter County that investigators say ended with the suspect fleeing on foot and a vehicle rolling toward interstate traffic with two dogs still inside.
According to court records, the incident occurred on January 20, 2026, at approximately 11:08 p.m., along Interstate 94 westbound near State Road 249 in Portage.
Indiana State Police were advised by Michigan City Police that a gray Mercury Mariner had just been reported stolen and that two dogs were inside the vehicle at the time it was taken. A trooper later located the vehicle traveling westbound on I-94 and confirmed the license plate.
While waiting for backup before initiating a stop, the trooper observed the vehicle driving on the right shoulder of the interstate and continuing westbound. Emergency lights and sirens were activated, but the vehicle continued traveling, alternating between the shoulder and the right lane. Officers reported speeds ranging between 25 and 30 miles per hour, and stated that sparks were observed coming from underneath the vehicle as it continued to travel.
The vehicle exited I-94 onto State Road 249, where it slowed significantly. According to the affidavit, the driver then jumped out of the vehicle while it was still in motion and ran down a ditch toward the interstate. The unattended vehicle continued rolling down a hill toward traffic on I-94, creating what officers described as a substantial risk of bodily injury to the public.
The trooper deployed a K-9 and pursued the suspect on foot, issuing verbal commands. The suspect stopped running and complied, after which he was taken into custody by assisting troopers.
Officers located the stolen Mercury Mariner stopped by brush. Two dogs were still inside the vehicle, and no additional occupants were found. The dogs were later picked up by the vehicle’s owner.
The suspect identified himself as Jerry Marcus Stokes, and officers later located an Indiana identification card confirming his identity. He was advised of his Miranda rights and declined to answer questions. Stokes was transported to the Porter County Jail.
Charges filed January 21,2026:
• Resisting Law Enforcement (using a vehicle) – Level 6 Felony
• Auto Theft – Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Recklessness – Class A Misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving – Class C Misdemeanor
