Suspect steals Mishawaka Police vehicle, leads officers on chase across state lines

DEC. 15 UPDATE: The suspect in the case, Michael Lee Eppenbaugh has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 5
Felony; Auto Theft, a Level 6 Felony; and Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Police report that a shoplifting suspect at Menards on Main Street fought with officers Friday and managed to steal a Mishawaka Police vehicle.

The suspect, now identified as 42-year-old Michael Lee Eppenbaugh of Warsaw, was allegedly handcuffed by a Mishawaka Police Officer and was suspected of shoplifting. 

During an altercation, Eppenbaugh was able to take control of the car and drive off towards state lines. 

County police officers continued to track the vehicle as it fled north on Ironwood Road, with Eppenbaugh eventually driving across state lines into Michigan. 

He then crashed the car at M-60 Highway near Yankee Road just east of Niles, Mich. 

After fleeing on foot, he was apprehended by St. Joseph and Cass County Police Officers. 

According to police, Eppenbaugh has multiple warrants out for his arrest in Kosciusko County, Ind.  and is currently being held in the Cass County Jail. 

Indiana State Police remained at the scene where everything began several hours after the chase started, even bringing a K-9 unit to the area.