Illinois Man Charged After East Chicago Police Chase Ends In Crash
East Chicago — An Illinois man, Bryan Westly Protho, 23, of Hazel Crest, Illinois, has been charged in Lake County,after police say he fled from officers during a nighttime pursuit through multiple streets in East Chicago before crashing into a utility pole and attempting to flee on foot.
According to court documents, around 10:37 p.m. on November 9, 2025, East Chicago Police attempted to stop a red Buick near Broadway and Elm Street after noticing the vehicle traveling without headlights or taillights. The driver, later identified as Protho, initially signaled a turn onto Hemlock Street but then accelerated northbound at a high rate of speed.
The pursuit continued as the Buick disregarded multiple stop signs along E. 136th, E. 135th, and Michigan Avenue, before merging south onto Cline Avenue, then east toward Gary on Airport Road, where the vehicle made an unsafe U-turn. The driver then re-entered East Chicago, continuing through Columbus Drive, Guthrie Street, and Hawthorne Street, before turning into an alley near Fern Street, where the car crashed into a NIPSCO pole.
Police say Protho jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot, climbing over a fence as officers ordered him to stop. A perimeter was established, and Protho was later located and taken into custody. Officers confirmed that Protho had never been issued a driver’s license, according to state records.
Charges filed November 12,2025:
• Resisting Law Enforcement — Using a vehicle (Level 6 Felony)
• Resisting Law Enforcement — Forcibly resisting or obstructing (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Resisting Law Enforcement — Forcibly resisting or obstructing (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Operating Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License (Class C Misdemeanor)
• Improper Headlights (Infraction)
• Improper or No Tail/Plate Light (Infraction)
• Disregarding Stop Sign (×4) (Infraction)
• Improper U-Turn (Infraction)
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
