Jimmie Smith Jr., 56, of Gary, is facing a felony resisting law enforcement charge along with additional counts following a late-night vehicle pursuit on Monday.
According to court records, a Hobart Police officer was on patrol around 11:41 p.m. on January 5, 2026, when a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette was spotted traveling eastbound on 49th Avenue in Gary without a visible registration. The officer activated emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued on.
Court documents state the driver fled southbound on Tennessee Street, turned east onto 50th Place, and then headed south on Ohio Court before eventually stopping in a front yard. Officers ordered the driver out of the vehicle at gunpoint and took him into custody without further incident.
While being placed in wrist restraints, Smith made a spontaneous utterance, stating, “I’m sorry man, was hopin’ y’all would stop pursuin’ if I made it to my house.”
A records check later revealed Smith’s Indiana identification card had been suspended as of January 4, 2026, according to court filings. Authorities identified Smith through his Indiana identification card, a computer check, and his own admission.
He was lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed January 6, 2026:
• Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement (Knowingly or Intentionally Forcibly Resisting or Obstructing) – Class A Misdemeanor
• Driving While Suspended – Infraction
• Improper Display of License Plate – Infraction