Officers with the Hobart Police Department arrested a 37-year-old Illinois man Tuesday after a narcotics investigation escalated into a dangerous vehicle pursuit that resulted in injuries to an officer in Lake County.
Police say investigators carried out a controlled purchase of suspected fentanyl near Southlake Mall on January 21, 2026. After the transaction, officers attempted to take the suspect, identified as Lester Louis Larkin — also known by the nickname “Turbo” — of Markham and Decatur, Illinois, into custody. Authorities report Larkin fled the area in his vehicle, prompting officers to initiate a traffic stop.
According to police, Larkin led officers on a pursuit during which he allegedly intentionally rammed multiple fully marked Hobart Police vehicles, causing extensive damage and injuring one officer. During the chase, investigators say Larkin also drove directly toward another officer who was deploying tire deflation devices, forcing that officer to take evasive action to avoid being struck. Although the suspect partially hit the devices, police say he continued to flee before officers boxed him in and took him into custody with the assistance of a Hobart K9 after he allegedly resisted arrest.
Investigators recovered suspected fentanyl, MDMA, psilocybin, and U.S. currency believed to be connected to the controlled purchase.
Authorities report Larkin faces a total of 23 charges, including 10 felony counts and 13 misdemeanor counts. The charges include two counts of Level 1 felony attempted murder, a Level 3 felony dealing in narcotics, and additional counts related to battery, narcotics possession, resisting law enforcement, leaving the scene of an accident, and striking a law enforcement animal.
Police officials praised the narcotics unit and assisting officers for their professionalism during what they described as a highly dangerous incident.
The case remains pending in court. As with all criminal matters, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.