Gary, Indiana - On September 11, 2026, at 11:00 p.m., officers with the Gary Police Department were dispatched to the area of the 3400 block of Dunes Highway in reference to a personal injury crash.

Upon arrival, officers located a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox that had struck a utility pole and subsequently caught fire. Members of the Gary Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.

Witnesses reported to officers that the vehicle had been traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the collision. Witnesses stated that the vehicle appeared to lose control before striking the pole and going into the brush. The vehicle was unoccupied when officers arrived.

While officers were investigating the crash, a 9-year-old boy emerged from the nearby brush and identified himself as the driver of the vehicle. The child appeared disoriented and had minor scratches. Gary Fire medics transported him to a local hospital for medical evaluation. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

During the investigation, officers determined that the boy had taken his grandmother's vehicle without permission and was attempting to return home when the crash occurred.

Following medical evaluation and testing, the juvenile was released to his guardian. The Department of Child Services was notified, and the incident remains under investigation by detectives assigned to the Gary Police Department Juvenile Division.

No other injuries were reported. The Chevrolet Equinox sustained extensive damage and was determined to be a total loss.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. Tamara Hall with the Gary Police Department Investigation Division at 219-881-1210.

Media Contact:  
Thomas Pawlak  
Patrol Commander  
Email: tpawlak@gary.gov  
"Building a Greater Gary"

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