Warsaw man released on bond after allegedly stealing police car

MISHAWAKA, Ind. - 42-year-old Michael Lee Eppenbaugh of Warsaw who, according to Mishawaka Police stole a police vehicle and drove it in a chase across state lines, was released on a recognizance bond. 

ABC57 reached out to the Cass County jail on why Eppenbaugh was released.

“The defendant was arrested and my office brought charges against him," said Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz. "Then law enforcement requested a personal recognizance bond for him, which was granted by the court, and the defendant was given an arraignment date of December 27."

Due to being released on a recognizance bond, Eppenbaugh did not have to pay an initial fee upon release. However, if he doesn't show up to court on December 27, he will have to pay $5,000.

Cass County Prosecutor Fitz did not say why Eppenbaugh was released, but did provide information regarding the charges against him. 

“He's been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle here in Michigan, for the theft of the Mishawaka law enforcement patrol vehicle," said Fitz. "He's also been charged with reckless driving. We're also expecting additional charges as the charges come in."

ABC57 reached out to the Cass County Jail Undersheriff Clint Roach regarding why Eppenbaugh was released on a recognizance bond, Roach declined to discuss the reasons. 

Eppenbaugh also has an active warrant for his arrest in a separate case in Kosciusko County.

The sheriff's department there say they still consider him at-large and are actively looking for him to get him into custody.