LAKE COUNTY — Two Chicago men were arrested early Sunday morning after an Indiana State Police traffic stop attempt turned into a high-speed pursuit on I-80, with the fleeing SUV reaching 136 mph before crashing, according to ISP Sgt. Glen Fifield.
The incident began around 3:29 a.m. when Trooper Griffin was stopped at a red light at Burr Street and 29th Avenue in Gary while patrolling in an Indiana State Police Mustang.
According to police, when the light turned green and Griffin entered the intersection, a green Kia SUV attempted to turn left and nearly struck the patrol vehicle. The Kia then made a U-turn behind the trooper.
Griffin slowed to allow the Kia to pass before getting behind the SUV and attempting a traffic stop. Police said the driver immediately accelerated northbound on Burr Street near I-80.
The Kia then turned onto the I-80 westbound exit ramp and began traveling the wrong way on the interstate, according to ISP. Griffin notified dispatch that he was pursuing the vehicle.
Moments later, the driver made another U-turn and began traveling westbound in the proper lanes of I-80, but at an extremely high rate of speed. Police said the Kia reached 136 mph in a posted 55 mph zone as the pursuit continued past Cline Avenue.
The driver then abruptly took the Kennedy Avenue exit, where the Kia struck a barrier wall and came to an uncontrolled stop on the ramp.
Police identified the driver as Devin T. Jackson, 28, of Chicago. ISP said Jackson climbed through the driver’s window following the crash and refused commands to get on the ground, resisting Trooper Griffin and attempting to get away before eventually being taken into custody.
A passenger, identified as Kimbrew D. Horton, 29, of Chicago, exited the Kia and allegedly attempted to flee on foot. Trooper Haddon, who had arrived at the scene, quickly stopped Horton, police said.
According to ISP, Griffin detected the odor of alcohol coming from Jackson and observed that his eyes were glossy, bloodshot and watery. Jackson allegedly refused to perform field sobriety tests.
Jackson was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation because of the crash. Police obtained a search warrant for a blood draw based on his alleged signs of intoxication and refusal to perform field sobriety testing.
Jackson was later taken to the Lake County Jail on preliminary charges of Level 5 felony resisting law enforcement, Level 6 felony resisting law enforcement, Class A misdemeanor resisting law enforcement, Class A misdemeanor operating while endangering and Class C misdemeanor operating while intoxicated.
Horton was taken to the Lake County Jail on a Class A misdemeanor charge of resisting law enforcement.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
