Warsaw man sentenced to two years for stealing Mishawaka cop car

Michael Eppenbaugh, from Warsaw, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for stealing a Mishawaka police car and leading officers on a chase that crossed state lines, ending in a crash in Cass County, Michigan. In addition to his prison term, he is ordered to pay $18,640 to the City of Mishawaka for the damage he caused to the vehicle.

The incident began on December 1, 2023, when Eppenbaugh was apprehended for shoplifting at Menards in Mishawaka. While in custody, he managed to move his handcuffs to the front, allowing him to access the driver's seat of the police car and escape, even while still restrained. Mishawaka Police Sergeant Steven Headley explained to ABC57 that Eppenbaugh's unorthodox maneuver enabled this theft.

During the pursuit, Eppenbaugh crashed the police car on M60 in Howard Township. Body cam footage from the Cass County Sheriff's Department captures the chaos, with witnesses describing how Eppenbaugh collided with another vehicle. Following the crash, Eppenbaugh attempted to flee on foot but was subdued by law enforcement.

After being released on recognizance bond, Eppenbaugh went on to evade authorities again, leading to another chase in Nappanee. He has a significant criminal history, including prior convictions for burglary and auto theft, and his driving privileges have been revoked for life.

Under the direction of current Mishawaka Police Chief Alex Arendt, the department is taking measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Arendt emphasized the importance of ongoing training and policy reinforcement to ensure officer and public safety, acknowledging the inherent risks involved in law enforcement operations.