Two Charged After Late-Night Mail Theft Investigation In Crown Point
Crown Point- Two people are facing felony charges after police say they were caught stealing mail from multiple mailboxes late at night in Crown Point.
According to probable cause affidavits filed in Lake County Court, an officer with the Crown Point Police Department was conducting traffic enforcement around 11:50 p.m. on October 6, 2025, when he observed a silver Hyundai stopping at several mailboxes along East Summit Street and removing items.
The officer reported that the passenger, later identified as Ashari Antoinette Young, 22, of Gary, was seen opening and taking items from several mailboxes before the vehicle continued down the street. The car was stopped a short distance later, and the driver was identified as Donovan Nathaniel Thompson, 22, of Hammond.
According to the affidavit, Thompson appeared evasive when questioned, responding with unrelated comments and staring straight ahead. When advised of the officer’s observations, he later admitted there was mail inside the vehicle, calling it “just a bad decision.” Both Thompson and Young were detained during the investigation .
A search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of mail stuffed beneath the passenger seat, which officers said came from various addresses across the city. Both suspects refused to speak with investigators and were transported to the Crown Point Police Department for processing .
Charges filed October 7,2025:
• Organized Theft — Level 6 Felony
• Theft — Class A Misdemeanor
Both suspects are lodged in the Lake County Jail. Only one mugshot was currently available.
