MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Four men have been charged in connection with a string of auto thefts and business burglaries in LaPorte County after police recovered four stolen vehicles last week.
On May 26, 2025, at around 11:06 p.m., LaPorte County dispatch received a 911 call reporting suspicious activity on Faulknor Street. The caller described a dark SUV without license plates blocking the road, with several men frantically attempting to start it. The SUV was suspected to have been stolen from the Truck Center Auto Lot on E. Michigan Boulevard.
Officers responded and learned that three vehicles—the SUV, a red Chrysler 300, and a silver passenger car—had already fled the scene. Witnesses saw the suspects discard multiple vehicle keys, which police later connected to burglaries at both the Truck Center and Burgess Motors. Several vehicles were stolen using the keys taken during forced entries at both dealerships.
Around 11:45 p.m., another 911 call reported a hit-and-run at the Tall Timbers Apartment Complex. Police found the suspect vehicle nearby—a stolen Chevy Suburban—and later located the Chrysler 300 and a Pontiac G6 within the complex, both occupied by suspects.
The Investigative Division, led by Det./Sgt. Lendell Hood, took over the case. After reviewing evidence, LaPorte County Prosecutor Sarah Konieczny filed charges against the following:
Manny Hernandez (19), Hammond, IN: Two counts of Level 5 Felony Burglary, four counts of Level 6 Felony Auto Theft. Bond: $15,000 Cash Only. Court date: June 3, 2025.
Amarion Wren (18), Crown Point, IN: Same charges and bond as Hernandez. Court date: June 3, 2025.
Nehemiah Birdsong-Hester (19), Hammond, IN: Same charges and bond as above. Court date: June 3, 2025.
Brandon Bracey (20), Gary, IN: Four counts of Level 6 Felony Auto Theft. He appeared in court on May 30, 2025.
Police have confirmed that all four stolen vehicles—the Pontiac G6, Ford Fusion, Chrysler 300, and Chevy Suburban—have been recovered.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Sgt. Hood at (219) 874-3221 Ext. 1074 or email lhood@emichigancity.com. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Facebook Messenger, the crime tip line at 219-873-1488, or through WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.
Note: All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
