Robbery suspect in stolen truck leads police on foot chase

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

SULLIVAN COUNTY --- An early morning robbery suspect was apprehended after officials say he broke into a car dealership in Sullivan County and led officers on pursuit after fleeing the scene in a stolen pickup truck.

Dorian Hart,27, of Gary, was booked into the Sullivan County Jail, where he is charged with burglary, auto theft, theft, two counts of leaving the scene of a crash, resisting law enforcement, operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance and seven counts of criminal mischief.
Hart’s bond is $76,000. with 10 percent allowed.

Sullivan County Sheriff’s Sgt. Carl Melchert responded to Sullivan Automotive Group on a glass breakage and interior motion alarm around 3:30 a.m.

According to Sheriff Clark Cottom, Sgt. Melchert arrived to find an open door and signs of forced entry to the building. He noted that several vehicles had been broken into.
 
Meanwhile, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call of a hit and run accident in the 600 block of E. Jackson Street just a short time later. Sullivan Police Department Officer Robert Smith was sent to the location and learned that a newer black Dodge Ram pickup--allegedly stolen from the Sullivan Automotive Group -- had crashed into a parked vehicle, and fled the scene, according to the report.
 
As Officer Smith attempted stop a vehicle matching the description, Hart reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. Officer Smith ultimately apprehended the suspect.

It didn't take investigators long to realize more than just the truck had been stolen.

"Back at the dealership, Sgt. Melchert discovered offices had been broken into, and learned that cash had been stolen from a donation box, that served as a collection point for the 'Brown Bagger’s' lunch program, and 'Christmas for Kids,' Cottom explained, adding, "Sheriff’s investigators also reviewed surveillance video, in which Hart could clearly be seen breaking into the business and pocketing the children’s donation funds, before leaving the building."