High-Speed Chase in Portage Ends with Arrest of Wanted Woman Traveling with Children
A woman with an active felony warrant was arrested Thursday morning after leading police on a high-speed chase through Portage with her two children in the back seat.
According to police, the incident began around 8:20 a.m. when a Portage Police officer was stopped at a red light at U.S. Highway 6 and Swanson Road. While waiting in the westbound lanes, the officer witnessed a gray SUV run the red light at a high speed, heading westbound on Highway 6.
The officer immediately activated his lights and siren and began pursuing the vehicle, which continued at a high rate of speed and failed to pull over. The officer reported reaching speeds of up to 85 mph before beginning to catch up. The pursuit continued past El Pueblo Restaurant and ended near Main Street Motors (5030 U.S. Highway 6), where the SUV abruptly swerved toward the curb and came to a stop.
With his firearm drawn, the officer ordered the driver to exit the vehicle. The suspect, identified as Megan Lee Lawson, 40, of Lake County, complied and was detained without further incident. Lawson informed the officer that her two children were in the back seat and claimed she was en route to drop them off at their father’s house before turning herself in.
Dispatch confirmed Lawson had an active felony warrant through Lake County for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). She was read her Miranda rights and declined to speak further, requesting an attorney.
The children, who were uninjured, were released into the custody of their father, who arrived on scene shortly after. Child Protective Services (CPS) was notified of the incident due to the circumstances involving the high-speed pursuit with minors in the vehicle.
Lawson was transported to Porter County Jail and is facing multiple charges, including:
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle (Level 6 Felony)
- Neglect of a Dependent (Level 6 Felony)
- Reckless Driving (Class C Misdemeanor)
- Outstanding Felony Warrant for OWI (Lake County)
Her vehicle was impounded at the scene.
