U-Haul catches fire after speeding away from SJCP

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The call started with St. Joseph County Police being dispatched to a reported burglary in progress and ended with a U-Haul moving truck burned down to the frame on the U.S. 20 bypass. 

Officers were first notified around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday morning and responded to the alleged burglary at 54000 Tulip Road. The caller told dispatch that a group of individuals arrived in U-Haul truck and were trying to force entry into outbuildings on the property.

The caller caught individuals trying to enter a barn and when he confronted them, most of them fled on foot. The driver waiting in the U-Haul, identified as 19-year-old Joshua Johnson, of Chicago, saw the others take off and began to flee in the truck.

"While searching the area, a county officer encountered a U-Haul truck near Tulip and Edison Roads," police said. "As the officer attempted to stop the truck, the driver turned off its lights and fled north at high rate of speed. Officers pursued the truck north on Tulip, then turned eastbound on U.S. 20, and finally southbound on to the U.S. 20 Bypass."

Authorities say that it was while on the Bypass on-ramp that flames began to shoot out from under the U-Haul.

"Less than a half mile later the driver stopped and exited the burning truck and was detained by pursuing officers without incident," police said. "Officers then searched the vehicle for any other passengers, none were found."

Johnson was arrested and jailed on preliminary charges of felony Resisting Law Enforcement by Fleeing, misdemeanor Criminal Trespassing, misdemeanor Criminal Mischief, and misdemeanor Possession of Controlled Substance.

Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing and they are still searching for the additional suspects.

If anyone has information about this incident or the additional suspects, they can call St. Joseph County Police Detective Barnes at 574-245-9569.