Hobart, IN – A 37-year-old man from Markham and Decatur, Illinois, was arrested January 21 following a narcotics investigation and police pursuit that injured an officer and damaged several vehicles, according to the Hobart Police Department.
Police said narcotics investigators arranged a controlled purchase of suspected fentanyl near Southlake Mall. After the transaction, officers attempted to arrest the suspect, identified as Lester Louis Larkin, who allegedly fled in his vehicle.
According to officials, Larkin led officers on a pursuit that ended after he allegedly struck multiple marked Hobart Police vehicles and injured an officer. Police reported that he continued driving toward another officer deploying stop sticks, forcing evasive action before eventually being stopped with the help of a Hobart K9 unit.
Investigators said evidence collected included suspected fentanyl, MDMA, psilocybin, and U.S. currency linked to the controlled purchase.
Larkin faces 10 felony counts and 13 misdemeanor charges, including two counts of Level 1 felony attempted murder, felony narcotics dealing, battery, resisting law enforcement, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Police commended their narcotics and patrol units for professionalism during the arrest, noting the case remains under investigation.
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