LaPorte police were notified on Wednesday morning that a man had left the Speedway Mart on Lincolnway without paying for gasoline.
According to the police report, store personnel said the man, later identified as 29-year-old Nicholas Searles, began fueling his vehicle at the pumps and he was told by the attendant to come inside and pay for the fuel. He reportedly got into his car and left without paying the bill which came to $50.01. He is suspected in previous failure-to-pay incidents.
A witness to the alleged theft followed the suspect from the gas station. Officers intercepted the vehicle, but as Searles attempted to turn north he traveled too fast and got stuck on the curb.
Searles was taken into custody and booked into the LaPorte County Jail on a preliminary charge of Theft, a Class D felony.
LaPorte police commended the witness who followed the suspect until police could catch up to him.
