Reckless Driver in Stolen Vehicle Arrested After Pursuit and Crash in East Chicago
EAST CHICAGO — A dangerous afternoon pursuit through residential neighborhoods ended with a crash and an arrest just steps from the East Chicago Police Department, authorities confirmed.
Around 12:25 PM Thursday, officers were dispatched to the Marktown District after a caller reported a black sedan with lightning-bolt graphics speeding through the neighborhood and spinning donuts at intersections. Responding officers quickly located the vehicle, which also had no license plate.
When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over and fled toward the North Harbor District, initiating a pursuit through city streets.
The chase came to an abrupt end at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Alder Street, directly next to the police station. The suspect crashed into an uninvolved vehicle, disabling the stolen sedan.
After a brief struggle, officers took the driver into custody. One East Chicago officer suffered an injury to his right hand during the arrest and was transported to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment. The suspect was also taken to St. Catherine for evaluation.
The innocent driver struck during the crash was evaluated on scene and declined medical attention.
During the incident, dispatchers notified officers that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Lansing, Illinois, and may be tied to an active carjacking investigation in that jurisdiction. The suspect is now facing multiple charges in Indiana, with further charges possible in Illinois pending confirmation.
