Jerry Hawkins, 38, of East Chicago, is facing multiple charges, including robbery, following an alleged theft and use of force at an AutoZone store in Highland on December 23, 2025
According to the probable cause affidavit, a Highland Police detective was investigating a reported theft at the AutoZone located at 9136 Indianapolis Boulevard. Call notes indicated the suspect had left the scene in a white Ford Escape with blue tape in the back window. Using Flock and Vigilant camera systems, the vehicle was observed traveling northbound on Indianapolis Boulevard and was later located by East Chicago police in the 4500 block of Indianapolis Boulevard with a Duralast 180-piece hand tool set inside the vehicle.
The affidavit states an AutoZone employee observed a Black male wearing a tan jumpsuit enter the store, walk directly to aisle two, select two tool sets, and begin walking toward the front door. The employee exited the counter area and asked the man if he was paying cash or card. The suspect shook his head “no” and continued exiting the store with both tool sets.…