Wisconsin Man Arrested and Charged After Target Theft in Merrillville
Merrillville- According to court documents, Joshua Eric Williams, 42, of Laona, Wisconsin, was arrested after police were dispatched to Target, 2661 E. Lincoln Highway, at approximately 3:04 p.m. on October 13, 2025, for a reported theft involving multiple suspects.
Court documents state that three subjects walked out with carts full of unpaid merchandise and fled eastbound on Route 30 in a black Kia SUV registered out of Wisconsin.
A store security representative told police that Williams and another individual were seen loading carts with various items. Williams was described as looking around nervously as if someone was watching. He then left first, passing the last point of sale without paying for any items in the cart. Surveillance footage showed him loading unpaid merchandise into the black SUV.
The second suspect followed, also passing the last point of sale without paying. The unpaid merchandise included a Dyson vacuum, an air fryer, and a large black/yellow tote, among other items. The total amount taken was $2,086.62.
Officers located the vehicle a short time later near the Speedway gas station at Lincoln Highway and Colorado Street and conducted a stop in the KFC parking lot just north of the gas station. Williams and the other suspect were ordered out of the vehicle and detained. Merchandise was visible through the windows and recovered from the vehicle, then returned to Target.
Charge filed October 14,2025:
• Theft where value of property is between $750 & $50,000 — Level 6 Felony
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
The case remains under investigation and further charges may be pending for other suspects.
