LA PORTE COUNTY — Jacob A. Gilmore, 30, was arrested following a cross-county motor vehicle pursuit Thursday afternoon that ended with an SUV partially submerged in a waterway and deputies entering the water to rescue him, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 4:49 p.m. on August 6, deputies were exiting Terrace Acres Mobile Home Park onto U.S. 20 when they observed a GMC SUV traveling west. A deputy recognized the vehicle as being associated with Gilmore and knew Gilmore was wanted by the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office on an arrest warrant for Invasion of Privacy, a Level 6 felony, and Domestic Battery, a Class A misdemeanor.
According to police, a deputy observed a traffic violation and attempted to initiate a traffic stop near U.S. 20 and County Line Road. The GMC initially stopped, but as the deputy prepared to exit his patrol vehicle, police said the SUV suddenly accelerated south on County Line Road, beginning a pursuit.
During the pursuit, the deputy positively identified Gilmore as the driver after seeing him look back through the driver’s-side mirror, according to police.
The pursuit continued across La Porte County along several roadways through Coolspring, New Durham, Scipio, Clinton, Cass and Dewey townships.
Police said Gilmore eventually turned onto Horseshoe Bend Road, also known as Millers Lane, where the SUV left the roadway and became partially submerged in a waterway.
Deputies gave Gilmore instructions, but police said he refused to comply and proceeded to light a glass pipe and begin smoking from it. Gilmore eventually exited the SUV and began swimming farther away from deputies in the murky water.
Police said Gilmore then went underwater and failed to resurface.
Three deputies entered the water moments later. One deputy located Gilmore, brought him back to the surface and swam with him toward the shoreline. Medical attention was immediately provided after they reached land.
Gilmore regained consciousness and was taken into custody. Police said that even after being taken into custody, Gilmore attempted to flee again on foot.
Gilmore was transported for medical treatment and remains in the custody of the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.
Gilmore was arrested for the following offenses:
- Resisting Law Enforcement — Level 5 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement — Level 6 Felony
- Possession of Cocaine/Narcotic Drug — Level 6 Felony
- Public Administration-Escape — Level 6 Felony
- Criminal Recklessness — Class A Misdemeanor
- Aggressive Driving — Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Paraphernalia — Class C Misdemeanor
- Operating While Intoxicated — Class C Misdemeanor (2 counts)
- Outstanding arrest warrant for Invasion of Privacy and Domestic Battery
