Portage Police Chief PITS Vehicle Before It Approached Crowded School Zones
On Thursday, 1/30/2025, around 2:23 PM, Portage Police were dispatched to Northwest Health Portage located at 3630 Willowcreek, in reference to an Emergency Detention Order patient who escaped from the facility, according to a police report.
Upon arrival of officers they noticed the subject walking in a grass area near the facility. Officers approached the man on the foot and ordered him to stop. The subject did not comply and ran to a Jeep Grand Cherokee then sped out the parking lot in it.
Officers gave chase to the subject as the Jeep gained high speeds on Sterling Creek Road. The Jeep continued northbound on Augusta and then eastbound on U.S. 6. The Jeep then went northbound on Airport Road where officers were able to successfully spike the tires on the Jeep. The Jeep continued with two flat tires.
While approaching the Central & Airport intersection Portage Police Chief Candiano decided it was in the best interest of the public to immobilize this vehicle immediately due to heavy traffic ahead, school zones, and unknown state of mental health of the subject. Chief positioned his vehicle to perform a PIT that was successful in stopping the Jeep.
The subject was taken into custody immediately. The male was identified as Christian Cherry, 32, of Ogden Dunes. Cherry was charged with Resisting Law Enforcement a Level 6 Felony and Resisting Law Enforcement a Class A Misdemeanor.
