Gary Man Leads Troopers on High-Speed Chase with Juveniles in Car, Crashes and Flees on Foot
A Gary man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly fleeing police in a high speed chase with two juveniles in the car, crashing into a utility pole, and then running from officers before being caught.
Charles Terry Ross, 21, was stopped on May 18, 2025, around 2:40 a.m., after an Indiana State Trooper clocked him driving 110 mph on I-80 in Hammond, more than double the posted 55 mph speed limit. The officer reported Ross was weaving between lanes and had no headlights activated.
According to the affidavit, Ross refused to pull over, reaching speeds up to 115 mph while passing other officers on the shoulder. The pursuit continued through Lake County until Ross lost control and crashed a white 2015 Ford Escape into a wooded area near 33rd Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard, striking a NIPSCO utility pole.
Ross then allegedly fled on foot but was apprehended at gunpoint after officers threatened to release a police dog. Two juvenile passengers, aged 14 and 11, were found uninjured at the crash site and were released to their mother. Police say Ross had warned the juveniles during the chase that they might need to run.
When questioned, Ross reportedly told officers he fled because he didn’t have a license and “didn’t want to go to jail.” He also stated, “I had some weed on me and got scared,” acknowledging he was aware of the potential consequences. Officers noted Ross had glassy, bloodshot eyes and appeared intoxicated. He later consented to a blood draw for toxicology testing.
A search revealed 14.2 grams of marijuana in his possession.
Charges Filed Against Charles Terry Ross:
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Minor Passenger – Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle (2 counts) – Level 6 Felony
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person – Class A Misdemeanor
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Physical Resistance) – Class A Misdemeanor
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Class B Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Class C Misdemeanor
- Unsafe Lane Movement – Infraction
- Speeding – Infraction
- No Headlights – Infraction
- Driving While Suspended (Non-Conviction Suspension) – Infraction
- Operating a Vehicle Without Financial Responsibility – Infraction
Ross is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
