Stolen Box Truck Leads Police On Chase Before Crashing Into A Home
On Sunday around 3 PM Portage Police responded to an activated alarm at TLG Peterbilt located at 5900 Southport Road. A security company monitoring surveillance notified dispatch that two subjects had cut a hole in the chain fence and were tampering with vehicles in the lot.
On officers arrival the two subjects split from each other and fled on foot. The first subject was taken into custody quickly utilizing a K9. He was identified as William Oiler, 40, of Blue Island, IL. Oiler had an active warrant from IL for a parole violation. The second suspect was unable to be located by the K9. Evidence from the scene showed that the two suspects were attempting to steal tires off semis. The owner reported that the suspects caused about $1,500 in damages.
Officers continued to search the area for the second suspect when he observed a white 2016 box truck go down a dead end street. Officers went to follow the truck when he began to flee. Officers relayed the plates to dispatch confirming the box truck was stolen from IL as well. Officers gave chase from Ameriplex & State Road 249. The box truck lost control during the chase in New Chicago near Illinois St crashing and coming to rest on a side of a home. An eyewitness told RNS they were almost struck by the truck that was estimated to be going around 60 MPH shortly before the crash. New Chicago Police Chief Bill Perry said the home on W 37th had some structural damage but no injuries were reported to the residents.
The driver of the truck was identified as Michael Coffelt, 55, of Harvey. Coffelt admitted to police he was the driver for the other two suspects committing the thefts. There were no injuries to anyone but the driver who claimed he hit his head on impact of the collision. He was transported to a local hospital and released. Both suspects were lodged in the Porter County Jail.
