A traffic stop for running a red light escalated into a high-speed pursuit reaching speeds of 125 mph Sunday night before a Porter County Sheriff’s deputy used a PIT maneuver to bring the fleeing vehicle to a stop, according to Portage Police.
According to a Portage Police report, the incident began around 7:10 p.m. on July 26 near Old Porter Road and Crisman Road when an officer observed a white four-door Toyota Corolla disregard a red light while traveling south on Crisman Road.
The officer initiated a traffic stop and pulled the vehicle over on the Willowcreek Bypass. As the officer exited his patrol vehicle and began approaching the passenger side, police said the driver suddenly shifted the car into gear and sped away, prompting a pursuit.
Investigators said the Toyota accelerated to approximately 70 mph on the Willowcreek Bypass before continuing south on Willowcreek Road. During the pursuit, the driver allegedly weaved in and out of traffic, crossed the center line multiple times, forced other motorists to take evasive action, and ignored numerous traffic signals.
Police said the vehicle ran red lights at Stone Avenue, Robbins Road and Lute Road while speeds ranged from 70 to more than 100 mph.
The pursuit continued east on County Road 700 North before additional Portage Police and Porter County Sheriff’s deputies joined. After reaching State Road 149, authorities said the Toyota accelerated to approximately 125 mph, continued passing vehicles on double-yellow lines, drove left of center, and committed numerous other traffic violations.
As the vehicle approached State Road 130, a Porter County Sheriff’s deputy performed a PIT maneuver, sending the Toyota off the roadway and into a marsh.
Police said both occupants attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended.
The driver was identified as Emily K. Safstrom, 40, who listed addresses in both Jacksonville, Florida, and Portage. According to the report, Safstrom told officers she fled because she believed she did not have a valid driver’s license. Investigators later determined her Indiana driving privileges were valid.
The passenger was identified as William A. Fourakers. According to police, Fourakers told officers he was “just in the car” and was unsure why the driver fled.
During the investigation, officers discovered Fourakers was wanted on a nationwide extradition warrant out of Florida for a probation violation. He was arrested on that warrant and also charged with resisting law enforcement by fleeing on foot.
Safstrom was arrested on preliminary charges including:
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle (Level 6 Felony)
- Resisting Law Enforcement on Foot (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Criminal Recklessness (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Driving (Class C Misdemeanor)
Police also issued multiple traffic citations for violations allegedly committed during the pursuit.
Both Safstrom and Fourakers were transported to a hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Porter County Jail.
The rental vehicle was impounded by Precision Towing. The report also notes Porter County Animal Control responded to search for a possible dog believed to have been in the vehicle, but the animal was no longer inside when officers arrived.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
