Stolen U-Haul Leads Police On Chase Filled With Marijuana
On Thursday, February 17, 2022, at approximately 10:38 AM, Gary Police Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop at 49th Ave and Broadway on a 10′ U-Haul box Truck after it hit on a LPR camera that sent officers in patrol that the vehicle was in the area of Gary / Merrillville, according to Commander Jack Hamady. The driver pulled into the gas station at first and then fled out of the gas station parking lot ignoring the officer’s commands and lights/siren, in the U-Haul Truck.
At that time officers pursued after the stolen U-haul which continued into Calumet Township area, Griffith, Highland and than went northbound on Kennedy Avenue into Hammond. Outside police agencies also assisted in the pursuit as the driver refused to stop the stolen vehicle.
As the driver in the U-Haul truck approached 174th Ave on Kennedy Ave it struck a civilian vehicle and continued northbound until it collided into several vehicles that were at the intersection of 169th and Kennedy in Hammond. At that time the driver an adult male exited from the vehicle and attempted to flee, but was apprehended quickly by officers. The female passenger exited out of the stolen vehicle and also attempted to flee on foot, she was apprehended immediately as well.
Both the driver and passenger were transported to a local hospital for treatment and will be transported to the Lake County Jail for booking. The occupants in the vehicles that were involved in the crash all refused treatment on scene and no injuries reported.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Department is assisting the Gary Police Department with the investigation and the crash reports during the pursuit. Lake County Sheriff’s Intelligence Unit and FBI (GRIT) will assist the Gary Police Department with the auto theft and criminal investigation of the suspects involved.
Inside the stolen vehicle, a large amount of marijuana was located. The driver and passenger are currently looking at Resisting Law Enforcement, Auto Theft and Possession of Marijuana (more than 30 grams) and other charges as well as the investigation continues, Hamady said.
