Three arrested in connection with string of vehicle thefts

From L-R; Hudson, Pratt, Hubbard

Three people were arrested in connection with a string of thefts from motor vehicles across multiple cities in Michiana, according to the Warsaw Police Department.

Between August 10-11 and between August 21-22, multiple victims in Warsaw and Kosciusko County reported thefts from motor vehicles and the ransacking of their vehicles.

Many of these vehicles were left unlocked in driveways or outside of apartment buildings.

Detectives believed the thefts were connected and eventually learned the same individuals were caught on surveillance cameras in the cities of Columbia City, Goshen, Mishawaka, South Bend, and Niles.

Investigators discovered the individuals were connected to similar crimes in other counties and were affiliated with a street gang based in Niles, reports said.

According to the investigation, the individuals were known to carry and look for firearms left in vehicles.

On August 30, more crimes were reported around Syracuse.

During this time, Kosciusko County deputies searched the area and eventually found two vehicles reported stolen out of Kosciusko County and Warsaw.

Deputies then found two of the suspects connected to the thefts nearby.

South Bend resident Mario Pratt, 19, and Warsaw resident KaShawn Hudson, 20, were taken into custody.

At this time, a third suspect allegedly led police on a chase.

That suspect, identified as 22-year-old Micheal Hubbard of South Bend, eventually jumped in a canal while trying to run.

Hubbard started sinking in the canal's muck and had to be pulled out by police.

He was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies searched for two more men who allegedly ran from the area before law enforcement arrived.

While searching, investigators also searched a property in Leesburg and found evidence connected to fraudulent activity at businesses in the area and evidence linked to the motor vehicle theft reports.

Investigators eventually determined the individuals arrested were connected to a street gang out of the South Bend and Niles areas, police said.

The three individuals were arrested on the following charges:

KaShawn Hudson

• Corrupt business influence
• Criminal organization activity
• Aid, induce, or cause theft
• Theft

Mario Pratt

• Corrupt business influence
• Criminal organization activity
• Theft

Micheal Hubbard

• Corrupt business influence
• Criminal organization activity
• Theft
• Resisting law enforcement

This is an ongoing investigation.

At this time, investigators believe the group, which may include others, is responsible for at least six motor vehicle thefts, multiple thefts of firearms from vehicles, and a large number of thefts of credit/debit cards leading to fraudulent activity in northern Indiana and southern Michigan, reports said.