Felon Flips Vehicle During Pursuit
A convicted felon from Chicago fled police speeding west on I-80 and eventually flipped his SUV on the roadway last night. The 52-year-old was placed into custody and taken to hospital for treatment, according to Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. He’s currently being held at the Lake County Jail.
Just after 10:30 PM, Wednesday, Lake County Sheriff’s Department police officers attempted to stop a Jeep SUV on Burr Street near I-80 in Gary. Officers performed a record check on the registered owner of the SUV and found he had an active arrest warrant out of Schererville. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle after it entered I-80 westbound, but the driver refused to stop. The driver continued west on I-80 driving at speeds over 90 miles an hour, weaving in and out of lanes of traffic and nearly striking other vehicles.
Near the I-94 exit to Chicago, the vehicle struck a concrete barrier and flipped upside down with the driver trapped inside. Officers attempted to pull him from the SUV, but a pedal had pinned one of his legs. Lansing Fire Rescue EMS responded to the scene and the driver was transported to a local hospital. He was medically cleared and booked into the Lake County Jail.
Two firearms were recovered from the suspect’s SUV.
The suspect had been convicted of a previous homicide. He could face multiple charges including serious violent felon in possession of a firearm and resisting arrest.
The case is still under investigation.
Update – On March 21,2025 Walter W. Fields, 52, was charged with:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Serious Violent Felon: F4 Felony
Possession of Altered Firearm: F5 Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement – but Defendant uses a vehicle: F6 Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement- but Defendant operates a vehicle: F6 Felony
