By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Edward D. Freeman

MENTONE — A Chicago man was recently arrested after a lengthy vehicle pursuit which resulted in the discovery of multiple thefts.

Edward D. Freeman, 22, Chicago, Ill., is charged with theft – value of property over $50,000, a level 5 felony; resisting law enforcement and theft, both level 6 felonies; and possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor.

On April 8, a Mentone Police officer saw a speeding Jeep Cherokee and attempted to pull it over. Its driver did not stop and reached speeds of 120 mph.

According to court documents, the vehicle was moving erratically, with its driver frequently cutting around other vehicles. The vehicle continued west on US 30 until the pursuit ended in LaPorte County, where stop sticks were successfully deployed.

Officers attempted to deploy stop sticks at two places in Marshall County, but the driver, later identified as Freeman, maneuvered around them.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers found four grams of marijuana and two unopened shipping packages, each containing a new laptop computer. Both packages were addressed to an individual, who discovered the laptops were fraudulently purchased with his credit card. In total, both laptops cost $3,102.98.

During further investigation, officers discovered the Jeep Cherokee was purchased online from a vehicle dealership and shipped to a location in Chicago. However, the Jeep Cherokee was financed in the amount of $53,943.84 to a man who resided in New Jersey. The man contacted the vehicle dealership and asked why he was supposed to start making payments on a new vehicle he never purchased. The Jeep Cherokee was reported stolen by fraud.

In an interview with officers, Freeman allegedly appeared to be exhibiting signs of intoxication and a blood test was taken. Results are currently pending.

While being taken to the Kosciusko County Jail, officers found a third laptop inside of Freeman’s backpack. They also found five Western Union money orders, each in the amount of $1,000, and a debit card. Both the laptop and debit card belonged to two different individuals.

Freeman was previously convicted of illegal possession of a weapon in Illinois.

For this case, Freeman has already been arrested and released on bond.