Porter County Sheriff's Department

Officers Receive Award From FBI

(Left to right)
Cpl. Leuthardt, Jill Leuthardt, Jenkins, FBI Agent Sue Lyons,
FBI Agent Chuck Porucznik and Sheriff Dave Reynolds

Corporal Dave Leuthardt and Officer Steve Jenkins received the "Exceptional Service in the Public Interest" award for their part in the apprehension of a fleeing bank robber from the Michigan City area.  The incident occurred in the summer of 1998 on US HWY 20 near the LaPorte/Porter County line. Both Officers heard Michigan City Police dispatch information about the bank robbery and thinking the felons may head toward Porter County, they began watching for the fleeing vehicle. A short time later they spotted the suspect and apprehended him.  After he was taken into custody he led officers to three others who had participated in the robbery. Police were able to recover a large sum of money taken from the bank. All four suspects were convicted.  The awards, each signed by FBI Director Louis Freeh, are given out only in special cases.