On Friday May 23rd, 2025, at approximately 5:30pm, Starke County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area of 250 W. and 700 S. in North Judson. The 911 caller reported that a male and female were fighting in a vehicle near this intersection. The female exited the vehicle and the male at the scene was actively trying to shove the female back into the vehicle. The 911 caller then informed Starke County Dispatch that the male suspect had fled in the vehicle with the female’s small child inside the car.
When officer arrived, they spoke with the victim and learned that she had been struck by the suspect multiple times in the head. The victim reported being pregnant and reported that her two-year-old son was in a car seat in the back seat of her vehicle. The victim identified the suspect as Michael Egan, age 25 of North Judson. She told officers that she was in a dating relationship with Egan. She reported she was driving southbound on 250 W. when an argument took place. The victim reported that Egan had pulled her by her hair towards the passenger seat where he was seated, and began striking her in the back of the head. She reported that the vehicle came to a stop near 700 S. and she exited the vehicle and began yelling for help.
Two individuals who lived in this area called 911 and began to assist the vehicle. Egan attempted to engage with these witnesses. He then entered the vehicle and fled westbound on 700 S. One witness reported attempting to follow Egan since there was a small child in the car. The witness indicated he was unable to keep up with the vehicle due to it traveling at such a high rate of speed.
A short time later, a Starke County Deputy located the vehicle on Third St. in North Judson. The deputy found that Egan had fled the vehicle and left the small child in the car. A subsequent track was performed with a Starke County K9 that lead into a wooded area near where the vehicle was located. Egan eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.
The child was found to be unharmed. The victim was transported to a local hospital by ambulance to an evaluation. The child was returned to his biological father and the Indiana Department of Child Services was contacted. Egan was transported to the Starke County Justice Center where he was held pending formal charges.
A report was forwarded to the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office. Michael Egan was formally charged with Kidnapping a Level 5 felony, Battery of an endangered adult a Level 5 felony, and Criminal Recklessness a Misdemeanor. He is currently being held at the Starke County Justice Center.
As a reminder, all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.