Jasper County, IN Fraud Case: Man Arrested With Golf Cart

Rensselaer, IN – A Northwest Indiana fraud investigation involving an allegedly fraudulent $16,000 equipment purchase led to an arrest after a police pursuit and a multi-agency search, authorities announced.

According to the Rensselaer Police Department, the investigation began Aug. 24 after a business in the 1700 block of North McKinley Avenue reported that a man had purchased $16,000 in equipment with a check that was later determined to be fraudulent.

Police identified the suspect as Anthony Zimmerman, 51, of Merrillville. Investigators said Zimmerman had active arrest warrants in four counties.

On Sept. 15, Rensselaer and Jasper County officers located Zimmerman near Interstate 65 and State Road 114, police said. Authorities allege Zimmerman fled when officers attempted a traffic stop, prompting a pursuit into Newton County. Officers eventually ended the pursuit because of safety concerns.

Police said investigators later located Zimmerman in the Remington area after a license plate reader identified the vehicle he was allegedly driving. He was taken into custody at a gas station.

Authorities said Zimmerman was allegedly found with a trailer carrying a golf cart that investigators determined had recently been purchased in White County using another fraudulent check. The golf cart was returned to the business.

Rensselaer police said they are also investigating another allegation involving a fraudulent check used to purchase building materials from a local business.

Zimmerman was transported to the Jasper County Jail on existing warrants and charges of fraud, two counts of theft and two counts of counterfeiting, all Level 6 felonies, according to police. Additional charges were anticipated.

All charges and accusations are allegations. Zimmerman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.