Chesterton Man Charged After 120+ MPH Police Pursuit Across Porter County, OWI, And Damage To Agricultural Property
Jakob Gerald Engle, 24, of Chesterton, is facing multiple criminal charges after Porter Police say he led officers on a high-speed pursuit late Tuesday night that exceeded 120 miles per hour, ran numerous stop signs, went off road into a cornfield, and later tested over the legal alcohol limit.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on February 3, 2026 at approximately 11:13 p.m., an officer observed a blue 2019 Chevrolet Silverado traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Interstate 94 near the 23 mile marker in Porter. The officer paced the vehicle between 100 and 115 miles per hour in a clearly marked 70 mph zone and attempted a traffic stop.
Police state the driver initially slowed as if to pull over before accelerating away, prompting a pursuit. Speeds reportedly exceeded 120 mph on I-94 before the vehicle exited onto State Road 49 and continued southbound at over 115 mph. The pursuit then moved through multiple county roads and town streets including County Road 1100 North, 125 West, Carlson Corners, Minerals Springs, Marquett, 23rd Avenue, Porter Avenue, and 5th Street, with speeds still reportedly over 100 mph in several areas posted for 30 mph.
Court records state the driver disregarded at least eight stop signs during the pursuit.
The vehicle eventually left the roadway at the T-intersection of 1050 North and entered a cornfield, where police say it drove through the field causing significant ruts and damage before turning back northbound and coming to a stop.
While placing Engle in handcuffs, the officer reported detecting a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. Engle agreed to submit to a certified breath test at the Porter Police Department.
The test, administered at 11:49 p.m., showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.093 g/210L, above the legal limit of 0.08. Officers also reported locating multiple empty “Fireball” whiskey bottles throughout the vehicle, including one next to the driver’s seat.
Engle was transported to the Porter County Jail.
Charges filed February 4,2026:
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Vehicle (Level 6 Felony)
• Criminal Mischief – Damage Between $750 and $50,000 (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Operating While Intoxicated Endangering a Person (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Operating While Intoxicated (Class C Misdemeanor)
• Operating a Vehicle With ACE of .08 or More (Class C Misdemeanor)
• Reckless Driving (Class C Misdemeanor)
• 8 Counts Disregarding a Stop Sign (Infractions)
