Police chase stolen vehicle in auto theft ring

BOONE CO., Ind. (WISH) - Boone County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an auto theft that occurred early Sunday morning, in which three men were detained then released.

According to police, reports of an auto theft in the Royal Run Subdivision were reported around 4:22 a.m.

Police arrived to the scene and found an abandoned car still running, which they believe the suspects had attempted to steal.

Officers say they observed a vehicle leaving the subdivision, which matched a possible description of a fleeing suspect vehicle.

Police state they attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle in the area of State Road 334 and Stonegate Drive West, but the car refused to stop.

After a short pursuit, the vehicle crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of CR 850 E and SR 334 and two of the male occupants were taken into custody at the scene.

Police say the driver fled the scene on foot and ran through a homeowner’s yard and into a wooded area.

The two detained for questioning were Eric Franklin, 19, of Indianapolis and Eric McCreary, 18, of Indianapolis. Neither man was hurt in the crash. They were released after questioning.

The police release stated that the vehicle they were in was confirmed stolen out of Marion County.

A Clinton County K-9 tried to track down the driver who fled, but was not successful in his search.

Police went back to the Royal Run Subdivision and Russell Lake area and found several other vehicles that were broken into and were attempted to be stolen, including a white Pontiac found near the 9000 block of State Road 334.
The Pontiac was reported stolen around 9:00 a.m. this morning.

A total of 5 cars were reported stolen and only 3 were recovered. One residence had two cars stolen and only 1 was recovered. A total of 10 cars were broken into with small items stolen and money.

Around 10:00a.m., police say they detained another possible suspect, identified as William Boone, 18, of Indianapolis, walking I65 in the area of the 128 MM. He was questioned, printed, and released.

All day, police say they received reports of break-ins and stolen or tampered vehicles.

Up to 30 people, including vehicle owners and drivers were quested and printed in order to be eliminated from the suspect list.