Gary Woman Accused of Fleeing Police with Four Children in Vehicle
A Gary woman is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she led Indiana State Police on a high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with four children in her vehicle.
According to court documents, a trooper encountered the suspect, identified as Tiffany Renee Henderson, 33, on July 21, 2025, around 8:50 p.m. while traveling west on 15th Avenue near Morton Street in Gary. The trooper reported that a red 2021 Ford Escape approached his patrol vehicle from behind at an extremely high rate of speed and nearly rear-ended him before passing on the right.
When the trooper activated his emergency lights, Henderson briefly stopped at 15th Avenue and Williams Street but then accelerated away. During the ensuing pursuit, Henderson allegedly reached speeds of 65 miles per hour in a 30 MPH zone, ran multiple stop signs without slowing, improperly passed other vehicles, and drove into the oncoming lane on Burr Street.
The chase continued as Henderson reportedly drove over a curb and through a gas station parking lot before reentering 15th Avenue heading east. She again reached speeds of 65 MPH before suddenly stopping near the 1300 block of Wallace Street.
Authorities say four children exited the vehicle — three ran into a nearby home, and one remained with the vehicle. All were described as visibly upset and scared.
Police detained Henderson at the scene. She was described as erratic and uncooperative, refusing to identify herself and reportedly ranting that she was “not sorry for what she had done,” that she “didn’t do nothing,” and that she was “embarrassed.” Officers noted the odor of alcohol on her breath and reported that her Illinois license was suspended.
Henderson initially consented to a blood draw but later refused once at the hospital. She also declined a portable breath test. A K-9 search of the vehicle indicated the presence of narcotics, and police say they recovered a grinder, plastic container, and zip lock bags — all with marijuana residue.
Henderson was taken to the Lake County Jail.
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Charges filed July 23, 2025, in Lake County:
• Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
• Neglect of a Dependent (4 counts) – Level 6 Felony
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated: Endangering a Person Less Than 18 (4 counts) – Level 6 Felony
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person – Class A Misdemeanor
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Class C Misdemeanor
Henderson is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
