LAKE COUNTY, Ind. — Charges have been filed against an Indiana man who allegedly kidnapped a car salesman during a test drive Aug. 11.
Indiana State Police (ISP) received a 911 call about 4:30 p.m. Aug. 11 from a salesman at Bosco Family Motors in Hobart, Indiana, who said he was being held against his will in a 2018 Kia Borrego that was traveling at excessive speeds on Interstate 80/94. While the caller was on the phone with 911 dispatch, the driver, later identified as LeDarien Devontae Deshon Gregory, 29, of Hammond, Indiana, crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer.
Following an investigation by ISP detectives, Gregory has been charged with four felonies, including two counts of kidnapping, and a Class C misdemeanor. Charges include:
- Kidnapping, Level 2 felony;
- Kidnapping, Level 3 felony;
- Auto Theft, Level 6 felony;
- Identity Deception, Level 6 felony; and
- Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License, Class C misdemeanor.
During the investigation, the ISP determined that Gregory allegedly provided false information to Bosco Family Motors to take a vehicle for what was believed to be a test drive. During that drive, the suspect accelerated to over 100 mph before rear-ending a semitruck. As a result of the crash, both the suspect and the victim, who was a salesman along for the test drive, were injured.
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