Mark R. Hastings

WINONA LAKE — A Fort Wayne man was recently arrested after an officer conducted a random license plate check and discovered a stolen vehicle.

Mark R. Hastings, 52, 5015 Decatur Road, Fort Wayne, is charged with theft, a level 6 felony; theft and driving while suspended, both class A misdemeanors.

On Oct. 24, a Winona Lake Police officer was patrolling US 30 when he conducted a random license plate check on a 2014 Dodge Charger. As a result, the officer discovered both the license plate and vehicle were stolen.

According to court documents, the driver, later identified as Hastings, said his driver’s license was suspended and that he had no idea the license plate or vehicle were stolen.

Hastings told the officer he has no bill of sale and didn’t know who he purchased the vehicle from.

He has already been arrested and released on bond. Hastings has an initial hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7.