At approximately 6:18PM Sergeant Sean Schaefer was sitting in the crossover at the 163MM on I-65 observing for the stolen vehicle. A red Chevy Cruze with the matching Illinois license plate passed Sgt. Schaefer driving south bound on the interstate. Sgt. Schaefer exited the crossover and attempted to catch up to the vehicle with his emergency lights and siren activated. The vehicle in question was weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed and exited onto SR-28 at the 158 exit.
Due to evening traffic, Sgt. Schaefer was unable to safely exit onto SR-28 when the Chevy Cruze exited. Sgt. Schaefer turned around at the next possible crossover and headed back towards the SR-28 exit where he last observed the vehicle in question travel east. By this time, Troopers Dustin Smallwood and Mason Wiley were able to exit to SR-28 and observe the vehicle parked at the BP Gas Station just east of the interstate.
Troopers were able to take the male driver into custody. The driver, was identified by an Illinois ID card as Ricardo Harper Jr. The investigation would reveal that Harper Jr. took the vehicle when his Lyft driver entered the Luke Gas Station and left his keys, wallet, and cell phone inside the vehicle. Troopers detected a strong smell of marijuana while Harper Jr. admitted to being really high. Troopers located marijuana and cocaine inside of the vehicle. Harper Jr. was transported to a local hospital where he submitted to a chemical test. Preliminary test results show that Harper Jr. had amphetamines, cannabinoids, and cocaine in his system. Harper Jr. also admitted to taking an ecstasy pill the night before with a female.
Harper Jr. was transported to the Tippecanoe County Jail where he was charged with the following: Auto Theft, Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Operating with a Controlled Substance in Body, Operating While Intoxicated Endangerment.
Sgt. Schaefer was assisted by Sgt. Brad Mull, Troopers Devin Farmer, and Jeremy Piers.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.