Police find hit-and run suspect, stolen truck at Ill. store

Vigo Co. Sheriff Greg Ewing and Chief Deputy John Moats at scene/ICN file photo

Prior submitted image of Oaks

By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

A theft suspect wanted on several hit-and-run related charges in connection to a Wednesday night crash just after fleeing a local Walmart has been apprehended in Illinois.

Police found the Terre Haute man, Dale R. Oaks, 40, at the Marshall, Ill. WalMart today-- after a three-day search for the suspect.

"Coincidentally, he was at a WalMart and was driving the Vigo Dodge maintenance truck that had been reported as stolen," according to Chief Deputy John Moats, of the Vigo County Sheriff's Office.

Oaks is facing the following charges, with additional charges possible as the investigation continues:

• Resisting Law Enforcement a level 5 felony (2 Counts);
• Operating a Motor Vehicle after Forfiture of License a level 5 felony;
• Failure to Remain at an Accident with Serious Bodily Injury a level 6 felony;
• Reckless Driving casues bodily injury an A misdemeanor.

​​
Vigo County Sheriff Greg Ewing confirmed the identity of the suspect yesterday in the crash involving two motorcycles on US 41 Wednesday at around 8 p.m. The suspect was seen fleeing on foot from the scene wearing a black t-shirt. He allegedly got into a service truck at a nearby auto dealership and drove off the lot, headed northbound on US 41. Both crash victims were hospitalized and released the following day after being thrown off their motorcycles as the suspect fled a store in a red vehicle while police pursued him on shoplifting allegations.
​
--
See related story

---