Andre Lewis Collins, 42, of Crown Point, is facing multiple felony charges after authorities alleged he led Lake County Sheriff’s Department officers on a high-speed pursuit through Gary before crashing into a tree and struggling with officers during his arrest.  

According to court documents, officers with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department  were patrolling near 15th Avenue and Colfax Street shortly before midnight May 21 when they observed a white Ford Explorer displaying what appeared to be a false or fictitious temporary paper license plate. Authorities stated the temporary plate font did not match currently issued temporary plates.  

Police alleged the Ford Explorer accelerated away as officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Court records state the SUV fled westbound on 15th Avenue at a high rate of speed before traveling the wrong way on an off-ramp near Cline Avenue and continuing onto the Cline Avenue service road. Authorities alleged the driver showed no regard for other motorists and repeatedly swerved across the roadway during the pursuit.  

According to the affidavit, the pursuit continued through several Gary streets, including 22nd Avenue, Blaine Street and 23rd Avenue, while additional Lake County Sheriff’s Department officers joined the chase. Authorities attempted a PIT maneuver during the pursuit, but the maneuver was unsuccessful and reportedly caused damage to a patrol vehicle.  

Court documents allege Collins continued fleeing before driving through the front yard of a residence in the 7200 block of West 22nd Avenue and crashing into a tree. Authorities stated Collins then exited the SUV and attempted to flee on foot by climbing over a fence toward a backyard.  

According to the probable cause affidavit, officers grabbed Collins while he was on top of the fence, but he allegedly broke free and continued attempting to flee. Authorities stated Collins was eventually tackled near the back of the residence while allegedly attempting to run toward the rear door of the home. Court records state Collins allegedly continued resisting officers by keeping his hands underneath his body and refusing repeated commands to place his hands behind his back.  

Investigators stated officers used closed-fist strikes and knee strikes in an effort to gain compliance before Collins was eventually taken into custody. Authorities further alleged an assisting Indiana State Police trooper suffered pain and discomfort after Collins allegedly kicked him in the chest during the struggle.  

Court records state Collins was identified through an Indiana identification card located in his wallet after he was taken into custody. Authorities also alleged Collins previously was convicted in Lake County in 2025 for resisting law enforcement using a vehicle.  

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed May 22, 2026:

Resisting Law Enforcement Using A Vehicle With Prior Vehicle RLE Conviction — Level 4 Felony

Resisting Law Enforcement Creating Substantial Risk Of Injury — Level 5 Felony

Resisting Law Enforcement Causing Moderate Bodily Injury — Level 5 Felony

Battery With Bodily Injury To A Public Safety Officer — Level 5 Felony

Resisting Law Enforcement Using A Vehicle — Level 6 Felony

Battery Against A Public Safety Official — Level 6 Felony

Resisting Law Enforcement (Fleeing) — Class A Misdemeanor

Resisting Law Enforcement (Forcibly Resisting/Obstructing) — Class A Misdemeanor

Reckless Driving — Class C Misdemeanor