NW Ind. repair shop owner accused of trying to scam Merrillville Fire Department over truck repairs​on May 2, 2025 at 5:34 pm

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLS) — The owner of an automotive repair shop in Northwest Indiana is accused of trying to scam the Merrillville Fire Department.

Police said the Merrillville Fire Department (MFD) took a truck to Hoosier Diesel for preventative maintenance. Police said the owner said that pieces of metal were found in the oil and that it would require extensive repair.

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Investigators said David Shepard charged the department more than $43,000 to replace an engine in one of their fire trucks.

The bill was paid, but no repairs were made.

After taking the truck to a different repair shop, it was discovered there was nothing wrong with the original engine. There’s a warrant for Shepard’s arrest.