Kewanna man arrested on felony charges after stealing vehicle from family member

A Kewanna man is facing multiple felony charges after he was recently arrested Jan 12 after he allegedly stole a relative's vehicle. 

According to court documents, Aaron Shelton, 31, of Kewanna, was charged with auto theft, possession of a narcotic drug and domestic battery with a prior conviction; all Level 6 felonies.

 Reports state that on Jan. 12, Fulton County Sheriff Deputies received a report about a black 2006 Buick Lacrosse that had been allegedly stolen by a family member. According to the victim, Shelton’s mother had been given permission to borrow the vehicle since Shelton had wrecked her car. The caller stated they had specifically stated Shelton was not allowed to drive the vehicle and that Shelton had taken it without permission. 

The victim stated he wished to report the vehicle as stolen and pursue legal charges. When officers reached out to Shelton’s mother about the incident she stated her son had stolen the keys from her purse while she had been distracted talking to an electrician that had been in the house during that time. The mother reported seeing her son run out the door and followed Shelton to remind him he did not have permission to take the vehicle and that she would call the police if he left. 

Shelton left anyways, allegedly telling his mother he was going to a nearby gas station. The mom told officers she believed Shelton was either going to South Bend or Logansport, however. 

Dispatch entered the vehicle as stolen and sent an attempt to locate to surrounding agencies.

Through investigative means officers were able to determine the vehicle had gone to South Bend and Shelton was located shortly after as he attempted to return the vehicle to his mother’s residence in Kewanna. When pulled over by officers in front of his mother’s home, Shelton allegedly exited the vehicle and ran south, but was apprehending shortly after. In Shelton’s pockets officers located a wallet, pocket knife, and a small corner of a baggie containing a grey powder substance. Shelton told officers the substance was heroin. 

The substance that was collected from Shelton’s jacket pocket was weighed and yielded a preliminary weight of .4 grams including the baggie, and tested presumptive positive for fentanyl.

The vehicle was eventually released to the mother at the scene. 

Shelton was also found to have an outstanding Fulton County warrant for domestic battery from an incident in Dec. He was booked in the Fulton County Jail and currently has a jury trial scheduled for May 12.