High-Speed Pursuit Crosses State Lines, Ends in Crash and Drug Arrest in Indiana
A high-speed police pursuit that began in Sauk Village, Illinois, ended in a crash and arrest in Lake County, after a suspect led multiple law enforcement agencies on a dangerous chase across state lines.
The chase began when Sauk Village Police initiated a pursuit of a black Chevrolet suspected of fleeing a traffic stop. Around the same time, a NICTD Police Officer stationed at the intersection of 45th Street and Cline Avenue in Highland observed the vehicle speeding and being followed by police units from both Sauk Village and Griffith, with emergency lights activated.
The NICTD Officer joined the pursuit, activating emergency lights and following the vehicle as it continued to flee westbound at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour in a 50 mph zone. The driver of the black Chevrolet weaved dangerously in and out of traffic, creating significant risk for other motorists.
The pursuit ended near the toll plaza on I-90/94 in Lake County when the suspect lost control and collided with a guardrail. Police quickly took the driver into custody, identifying him as Julio C. Saavedra, who admitted to never having held a valid driver’s license. A subsequent records check with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles confirmed no license on file.
During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a package containing a crystal-like substance weighing 6.3 grams. Field tests confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.
Saavedra now faces multiple charges, including felony drug possession, fleeing law enforcement, and driving without a license. Authorities say the case is still under investigation and additional charges may follow.
