Suspect who led police on a chase on Mishawaka Avenue charged

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Court documents provide new details in the police pursuit that happened off Mishawaka Avenue last week. The suspect was located by a K9 team in a garage off Longfellow.

On June 26, South Bend Police received a call from the Speedway at 1449 E. Mishawaka about a fraud case.

Rahgelin Dearmor Hardy attempted to use a stolen credit card at the location, according to the probable cause affidavit.

When police arrived, an officer recognized Hardy's vehicle as relevant to an investigation into a stolen wallet.

After parking behind Hardy's vehicle and turning on their overhead lights, Hardy exited his vehicle and ran from the scene, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Two witnesses reported seeing Hardy in possession of a handgun, reports said.

A K9 and his partner found Hardy hiding in a garage on Longfellow and he was taken into custody, reports said.

Hardy was not in possession of the gun, police said.

The investigation revealed Hardy used a credit card with a woman's name on it to purchase a gift card at the Speedway, reports said.

He also allegedly used a male victim's American Express card at a Speedway to purchase a $311 gift card and at Dollar General for a $504.95 purchase.

Inside Hardy's vehicle they located the woman's credit card and the male victim's credit card along with the male victim's driver's license, reports said.

Hardy has been charged with theft, fraud, attempted fraud, carrying a handgun without a license and resisting law enforcement.

UPDATE: In February of 2020, Hardy pleaded guilty to one count of fraud, one count of carrying a handgun without a license, and one count of resisting law enforcement as part of a plea agreement. His charges for theft and another count of fraud were dismissed. Hardy was sentenced to 30 months for fraud with 18 months suspended and 12 months executed, 12 months suspended carrying a handgun without a license, and 12 months suspended for resisting law enforcement. The sentences will run consecutively. The sentence will be served as a direct commitment to the St. Joseph County Community Corrections. He was also given 12 months’ probation.