Elmhurst Man Faces Charges After Chesterton Traffic Stop, Vehicle Pursuit, and Drug Arrest
CHESTERTON— An Elmhurst, Illinois man was arrested after Chesterton police say he fled from a traffic stop, resisted officers, and was found in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia following a pursuit.
According to court documents, an officer attempted to stop a 2013 Volvo XC60 around 5:56 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2025, near U.S. Highway 12 and State Road 49 in Chesterton. Police reported the driver, identified as 55-year-old Ted Bernard Tharp, disregarded a traffic control device and drove off the roadway, refusing to stop. Officers said Tharp eventually came to a stop but resisted efforts to obtain a blood draw after a warrant was signed .
Investigators documented signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and the odor of alcohol. Officers noted alcoholic beverage containers were in plain view inside the vehicle. Tharp allegedly refused chemical testing despite being advised of Indiana’s implied consent law.
During a search, police reported finding a green leafy substance inside the center console that field-tested positive for marijuana, along with a blue glass smoking pipe containing residue .
Charges Filed Against Ted Bernard Tharp
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Using a vehicle (Level 6 Felony)
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Forcibly resisting, obstructing, or interfering with police (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Class C Misdemeanor)
• Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor)
• Possession of Paraphernalia – Introducing a controlled substance into the body (Class C Misdemeanor)
• Failure to Use Designated Lane (Infraction)
