ISP: Pursuit suspect found under hay bales in Nappanee barn

Dec. 6—NAPPANEE — The suspect in a theft of a Mishawaka Police car is now back in custody after being arrested in Elkhart County — under some hay bales in a nearby barn.

On Wednesday afternoon officers from several jurisdictions converged on the Union Center Amish Store in the 25000 block of C.R. 50 in Nappanee after a reported sighting of Michael Lee Eppenbaugh, 42, an Indiana State Police news release stated. The sighting took place at approximately 2:24 p.m.

According to reporting partners at WNDU, Eppenbaugh stole a Mishawaka Police car a took it across state lines into Cass County, Michigan, where he was involved in a crash and arrested.

He was later released from jail on bond.

"As officers from several jurisdictions arrived Eppenbaugh fled on foot and was believed to be hiding in a barn located on the property," the release added. "Officers searched for approximately 40 minutes and ultimately found Eppenbaugh hiding under hay bales. He was safely taken into custody and arrested for several outstanding warrants out of Kosciusko County."

Eppenbaugh was transported to the Kosciusko County Jail for the following warrants:

* Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Serious Violent Felon Level 4 Felony

* Habitual Traffic Violator-Life Level 5 Felony (three counts)

* Resisting Law Enforcement Level 6 Felony (three counts)

* Auto Theft Level 6 Felony (three counts)

* Possession of Methamphetamine Level 6 Felony

* Possession of Methamphetamine Level 5 Felony

* Residential Entry Level 6 Felony

* 10 additional Misdemeanor warrants

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Elkhart County Sheriffs Office, Kosciusko County Sheriffs Office, and Nappanee Police Department.