Elkhart Police Department Arrests Two Suspects in Thefts from Vehicles

News Release-Elkhart Police Department Arrests Two Suspects After Thefts from Multiple Vehicles, 3.5.26

Earlier this week, the Elkhart Police Department arrested two suspects in connection with thefts from multiple vehicles at Old Farm Apartments, Elkhart.

On March 3, 2026, at about 10:53 p.m., Elkhart Police Department officers dispatched to the area of 3406 E Lane for a theft in progress (Old Farm Apartments). The caller reported two males wearing all black clothing and ski masks getting into vehicles and possibly stealing from them.

Once they arrived on the scene, officers began searching the area for subjects matching the caller’s description. Shortly thereafter, an officer observed two masked individuals hiding behind cars.

The two male suspects fled on foot and one of them dropped a large bag while fleeing. During the foot pursuit, officers apprehended one suspect behind the 3400 block of E Lane. The second suspect fled into a wooded area and was located with the assistance of the K9 unit and drone. He was taken into custody without further incident. Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Elkhart County Jail on preliminary charges in connection with this case.

During the investigation, officers located a suspect vehicle (a Cadillac CTS) parked nearby and observed what appeared to be an AR style rifle in plain view inside the vehicle, along with several wallets, cell phones, and purses. A search warrant was drafted for the vehicle and approved by an Elkhart County judicial officer. Officers retrieved several wallets, various identity documents, a passport, and other items from the vehicle pursuant to the warrant. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the Elkhart Police Department for processing by our Crime Scene Unit.

Additionally, officers retrieved the backpack dropped by one of the suspects during the foot pursuit. The backpack contained several IDs, passports, cologne bottles, jewelry, a handgun, and drug paraphernalia. Officers also located and collected another individual’s ID on the first suspect’s person during a search incident to arrest.

The two suspects arrested in connection with this investigation are:

-Gavin Ernsberger, 20 years old of Goshen, was arrested and booked into the Elkhart County Jail on preliminary charges of Theft of a Firearm, a Level 5 Felony; Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A Misdemeanor; Theft, a Class A Misdemeanor; and Theft, a Class A Misdemeanor. An Elkhart County judicial officer found probable cause for his arrest and set his bond at $75,000.

-Isaak Duran, 21 years old of Elkhart, was arrested and booked into the Elkhart County Jail on preliminary charges of Theft of a Firearm, a Level 5 Felony; Possession of Marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor; Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A Misdemeanor; and Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor. An Elkhart County judicial officer found probable cause for the arrest and set his bond at $50,000. Both of these arrests have been forwarded to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office for review of formal criminal charges.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. At this time, approximately 13 vehicles at the Old Farm Apartments complex are known to have had items stolen from them. At this point in the investigation, only one vehicle was damaged to access the property inside. All the other vehicles were left unlocked with valuables inside. As a public safety tip, we are reminding members of the community to Lock. Take. Hide.

·         Lock your car and close the windows

·         Take your keys. Never leave key fobs in the vehicle

·         Hide your belongings out of sight or in the trunk. Purses, money, credit cards and cell phones in plain view can attract thieves. Better yet, take valuables inside overnight.

We will release further information as we are able to do so. Please be advised that under Indiana law an individual is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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