Two Chicago men, Jonheym Jonathan Andrews (23) and Steve E. Mitchell (23), face multiple felony charges after allegedly stealing merchandise from a Kohl’s in Merrillville, Indiana, and fleeing police in a dangerous interstate pursuit, according to Lake County authorities.
Police say Andrews, driving a blue Kia sedan, and Mitchell, his front-seat passenger, ran from the store with stolen fragrances valued at $4,128.06. When a patrol vehicle attempted to stop them, Andrews made a U-turn and accelerated onto I-65, driving southbound in the northbound lanes, narrowly missing vehicles and colliding with a police cruiser. Both men then fled on foot but were quickly apprehended by officers.
Officers reported minor injuries, including stomach and wrist pain, and cuts from guardrails while handling the suspects. Inside the Kia, police recovered stolen merchandise and 4.8 grams of marijuana. Surveillance footage confirmed both men committed the theft, and interviews revealed Andrews admitted to selling stolen items online or on the street, while Mitchell claimed panic after recently being released from jail.
Both suspects are now held in Lake County Jail.
Charges Against Jonheym Jonathan Andrews:
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Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony
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Battery on a Public Safety Officer Resulting in Bodily Injury — Level 5 Felony
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Theft ($750–$50,000) — Level 6 Felony
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Organized Retail Theft — Level 6 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement (Vehicle) — Level 6 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement (Causing Bodily Injury) — Level 6 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement (Using a Vehicle) — Level 6 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement (Fleeing) — Class A Misdemeanor
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Possession of Marijuana — Class B Misdemeanor
Charges Against Steve E. Mitchell:
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Theft ($750–$50,000) — Level 6 Felony
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Organized Retail Theft — Level 6 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement (Causing Bodily Injury) — Level 6 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement (Fleeing) — Class A Misdemeanor
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Possession of Marijuana — Class B Misdemeanor
Hobart Police reminded residents from Illinois: “There is no I-Bond here — you will go to jail for shoplifting.”