PORTAGE — A high-speed pursuit that began on Interstate 94 ended when a fleeing vehicle crashed into a Portage home Sunday night, according to Indiana State Police Sgt Glen Fifield.
Police said the incident began around 10 p.m. on May 10 when Trooper Schrock attempted to stop a white Chevrolet Blazer traveling approximately 90 mph westbound on I-94 near the 21.8 mile-marker near the Burns Harbor/Porter exit.
According to Fifield, the driver refused to stop and accelerated to speeds exceeding 130 mph while fleeing through multiple jurisdictions.
The pursuit continued along State Road 249, U.S. 20, and Samuelson Road in Porter County. Police said after the vehicle crossed railroad tracks at a high rate of speed, it became airborne, causing the driver to lose control before crashing into a residence in the 6700 block of Mercedes Avenue in Portage.
Indiana State Police identified the driver as 20-year-old Jven Ray Lewis of Michigan City.
Troopers reported recovering a loaded Glock handgun and a loaded drum magazine from Lewis’ waistband area following the crash.
A female passenger inside the vehicle was detained and transported for medical evaluation after complaining of pain resulting from the crash. Lewis was also transported to a hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Porter County Jail.
Lewis is preliminarily charged with:
- Resisting Law Enforcement, a Level 5 Felony
- Dealing a Controlled Substance, a Level 6 Felony
- Reckless Driving, a Class A Misdemeanor
The home struck during the crash sustained damage. Police said the homeowner was not in the immediate area where the vehicle impacted the residence but later chose to seek medical evaluation as a precaution.
The investigation remains ongoing.
