Kovin Thomas Bell Jr., of Gary, is facing multiple felony charges after a traffic stop escalated into a police pursuit that ended in a crash, leaving a 17-year-old front-seat passenger with serious injuries.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the incident happened on January 7, 2026, around 10:00 a.m. near 15th Avenue and Broadway in Gary. Police stopped a white Nissan Altima for speeding.
Court records said Bell was identified as the driver through his Illinois driver’s license, which was later confirmed during booking. A 17-year-old passenger was seated in the front of the vehicle. Officers reported smelling burnt marijuana coming from inside the car.
The affidavit stated that while officers were conducting the traffic stop, Bell put the vehicle into gear and sped off northbound on Broadway. Court documents said the car weaved through lanes at a high rate of speed.
Bell then attempted to turn eastbound onto 6th Avenue, where he lost control and struck a light pole, disabling the vehicle, according to the affidavit. Court records said Bell exited the car and fled on foot.
With help from county, city, and state law enforcement agencies, officers later found Bell hiding inside a nearby abandoned building.
Court documents said the 17-year-old passenger was taken to the hospital and required immediate surgery for significant internal injuries caused by the crash.
According to court records, officers found a loaded tan-and-black Palmetto State Armory firearm with an extended magazine on the driver’s side floorboard. While Bell was at Southlake Methodist Hospital awaiting a medical evaluation, he was advised of his Miranda rights, waived them, and admitted the firearm belonged to him.
Court documents also revealed that a criminal history check showed Bell was previously convicted of aggravated robbery with a firearm, a Level 1 felony, on November 8, 2017, in Madison County, Illinois.
Charges filed January 8, 2026:
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Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon — Level 4 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury — Level 4 Felony
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Resisting Law Enforcement Creating a Substantial Risk of Injury — Level 5 Felony