LA PORTE, Ind. -- The La Porte Police Department reports an officer responded to a residence in the 400 block of E Street on Wednesday for a reported vehicle theft.

Upon arrival, the victim informed police he arrived home around 7 p.m. Tuesday and parked his van in the rear lot of his home and had left his key in the ignition. Wednesday morning, he noticed his van was missing.

The victim didn't have any suspect information and stated he and his neighbor didn't have any functioning security cameras at the time.

Later that day, the victim told police he found out his neighbor witnessed the suspect, later identified as Joshua D. Murray, get into the vehicle and drive away.

The neighbor said around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, she saw an unknown white man get inside the van. The neighbor stated she thought it might be someone who had permission from the victim to use the van.

Utilizing Flock cameras, police were able to get a photo of the van, which was forwarded to all on-duty officers. The van was later spotted on the north side of the city and was located in the 100 block of McClung Road.

Officers made a felony stop on the van and asked the Murray to exit the vehicle, to which he didn't comply.

After continuing to disobey police commands, officers approached and placed Murray into custody.

Murray was read his Miranda Rights and refused to speak with police about the theft. He was then taken to the La Porte County Jail where it was later found that he had an active felony warrant out of Porter County.

It was also found that Murray had a driving status of Suspended-Prior.

The victim's vehicle was returned in disarray with minor damage to the rear passenger side brake light. The victim informed police some items were also missing from the van.

The report states while arresting Murray, two officers were injured.

Murray is now charged with Theft - Vehicle / Prior Conviction, a Level 5 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement Causes Bodily Injury, a Level 6 Felony, and Motor Vehicle- Driving While Suspended- Prior Suspension Within 10 Years.

Murray previously pled guilty to Auto Theft, a Level 6 Felony, on Nov. 29, 2021.