Jacob Daniel Burton, 31, of Gary, is facing multiple charges after police say he fled from officers on a motorcycle at high speeds, drove head-on toward a patrol vehicle, and crashed before attempting to flee on foot.
According to court documents, on April 17, 2026, at approximately 8:22 p.m., officers with the Gary Police Department were patrolling near 25th Avenue and Taft Street when they observed a motorcycle make an unsafe lane movement and disregard a stop sign.
Officers reported that as they approached the intersection with emergency lights and siren activated, the motorcycle accelerated at a high rate of speed and failed to yield. Police initiated a vehicle pursuit as the motorcycle continued westbound on 25th Avenue without a license plate affixed to the rear.
Court documents state the motorcycle failed to stop at a red light near Chase Street and continued fleeing while swerving in and out of traffic at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour in a posted 35 mile per hour zone. Officers observed the motorcycle run additional stop signs and nearly strike another vehicle by only inches near Mount Street.
Police further reported the motorcycle locked its brakes near Burr Street, nearly crashing into several vehicles before proceeding through another red light. The driver continued to accelerate to approximately 90 miles per hour while weaving through traffic.
As the pursuit continued near Calhoun Street, officers observed the motorcycle spin out before turning around and traveling eastbound directly toward the patrol vehicle. Court documents state the officer was forced to make an evasive maneuver, driving off the roadway and nearly into a ditch to avoid a collision, creating a substantial risk of bodily injury to both officers.
The motorcycle later lost control in a gravel lot and crashed into a wooden pylon. After the crash, the driver fled on foot. Officers gave verbal commands to stop, which were ignored, and a brief foot pursuit followed.
During the foot pursuit, an officer deployed a department-issued Taser, which was ineffective, but the individual then stopped and was taken into custody without further incident.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed April 18,2026:
Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 5 Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 6 Felony
Driving While Suspended – Class A Misdemeanor
Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
Reckless Driving – Class C Misdemeanor
