The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department has made an arrest in an investigation involving an increasing number of thefts from motor vehicles.
Police say the thefts were occurring during the overnight hours making it difficult to locate and identify a suspect. However, at about 1 a.m. CT Friday, September 15, deputies were dispatched to the 4600 block of Vintage Court where a resident’s surveillance system captured a person entering a vehicle parked in the driveway. Officers responded and began to search the immediate area for the suspect.
During their search, deputies found several items on the ground belonging to nearby residents who confirmed that they were the victims of theft.
A suspicious vehicle was located in the neighborhood and deputies waited for the vehicle to leave. At about 4 a.m. CT, the vehicle began to leave. Police say probable cause was established and a traffic stop was initiated at the intersection of County Road 400 North and County Road 600 West. During the course of the traffic stop, evidence was reportedly observed and recovered that suggested the driver, 31-year-old Cleophis J. Swanson, of Michigan City, was linked to the recent thefts.
Swanson was arrested on preliminary charges of theft and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle. He is being held without bond in the La Porte County Jail.
Formal charges will be determined by the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
