NW Indiana police seek man accused of targeting car dealerships with fake checks

article

Arthur Catlett Jr. | Schererville police

SCHERERVILLE, Ind. - Police in Schererville are asking for the public's help in locating an Illinois man wanted on felony warrants tied to auto theft and fraud schemes targeting dealerships in northwest Indiana.

What we know:

Arthur Catlett Jr., of south suburban Ford Heights, is wanted on active warrants for auto theft, fraud and forgery. Police said Catlett had been using fraudulent cashier's checks to illegally obtain vehicles from dealerships and may still be committing similar crimes.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Lake County, Indiana, the case stems from an incident reported on Oct. 24, 2025 at the Merrillville Toyota dealership. Hobart police said Catlett agreed to buy a 2023 Toyota Highlander for $35,000 and returned days later with what appeared to be a Bank of America cashier's check for that amount.

Catlett was given the car and the check was later returned by the bank as altered or fictitious, according to the affidavit.

Police contacted Bank of America and confirmed Catlett did not have an account with the bank and that a legitimate cashier's check could not have been issued in his name. The SUV was then entered as stolen into national law enforcement databases.

Police said Catlett was identified using his Illinois driver's license and public social media records. Prosecutors approved the charges in late October.

What you can do:

Police warned dealership employees and members of the public not to attempt to contact or detain Catlett.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts, or dealerships that have experienced suspicious transactions involving cashier’s checks, are urged to contact Schererville police at enangle@schererville.org or submit an anonymous tip to (219) 865-4646.