Hammond Woman Arrested and Charged After Pursuit From Munster to Portage
Munster- A 24-year-old Hammond woman, Madison Lakiyah Smith, has been charged after police say she fled from officers in a stolen vehicle that struck a patrol car and led officers on a multi-city pursuit ending in Portage.
According to court documents, at about 9:07 p.m. on October 31, 2025, officers in Munster were notified by license plate reader alerts of a white Chevrolet Equinox wanted as a felony vehicle out of Phoenix, Illinois, for fleeing and eluding. The vehicle was located parked at KFC, 428 Ridge Road.
When an officer pulled in behind the vehicle, the driver later identified as Smith, reportedly attempted to back up, striking a Munster police squad car. Smith then ran over a parking block and sped away onto Ridge Road, disregarding multiple traffic signals.
Police say the vehicle fled eastbound on Ridge Road, turning north onto White Oak Avenue, then driving through several stop signs, including those at Fairway Avenue and Castle Drive, before continuing through Munster and Highland. The pursuit continued through Griffith and Gary, where officers deployed spike strips that deflated the tires.
Despite the damage, Smith allegedly continued eastbound on Ridge Road, crossing into oncoming lanes and disregarding red lights at several major intersections, including Indianapolis Boulevard, Cline Avenue, and Broadway. The chase eventually continued northbound on Broadway before entering Interstate 80/94 eastbound, where the vehicle struck the center median near the 17.5-mile marker.
Smith continued to Crisman Road in Portage, where she exited and turned east onto U.S. 20, eventually stopping in the parking lot of Luke’s Gas Station, 6259 Melton Road.
During a search of the vehicle, police located a clear plastic container labeled THC containing 2.6 grams of marijuana and a purple “Backwoods” grinder with additional residue that field-tested positive for THC. Smith also had an Indiana ID card that showed her driving status as suspended – infraction.
Smith was transported to Broadway Methodist Hospital in Merrillville for medical clearance before being booked into the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed November 1, 2025:
• Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
• Criminal Mischief – Class B Misdemeanor
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Class B Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor
• Possession of Paraphernalia; Introducing a Controlled Substance Into the Body – Class C Misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving – Class C Misdemeanor
• Driving While Suspended (Not Resulting From Conviction) – Infraction
• Driving Left of Center – Infraction
• Disregarding Lighted Signal – Infraction
• No Headlights Displayed When Required – Infraction
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
