La Porte County Police Chase Ends In Valparaiso Tuesday
Tuesday night (05/12/20) shortly before 8:30 PM, La Porte County Deputies were dispatched to the Family Express at 243 West Johnson Road, in reference to a theft (later determined to be a robbery) that had just occurred, Captain Derek Allen of The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office stated in a release Wednesday. Responding deputies were provided with a description of the suspect and suspect vehicle. Deputies were advised the vehicle was last seen traveling east on Severs Road.
A short time later, Deputy Derrick Deck spotted the suspect vehicle traveling north of SR 39. Deck attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle at the automated toll booth machine located on the entrance/exit ramp of the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90), Allen stated. The vehicle initially stopped, but the driver failed to follow commands and fled. Deputy Deck pursued the vehicle west on the Indiana Toll Road. At the 39-mile marker, the vehicle exited and began to travel towards US 421. The vehicle pursuit traveled south on US 421, west on CR 300 South, turned around and went back east on CR 300 South, south on US 421 again, west on SR 2, west on US 6 and into Porter County. The pursuit ended in the 3200 block of Calumet Avenue in Valparaiso.
The driver, now identified as Jerry Valencia, 25, of Elkhart was returned to La Porte County and transported to the La Porte County Jail.
Valencia was booked into the LCJ for the following charges:
• Robbery, Level 5 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony
• Operating While Intoxicated, Level 6 Felony
• Operating While Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor
Valencia remains housed in the LCJ. He is being held on a $15,005.00 cash-only bond through La Porte County Circuit Court.
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assisting agencies: Porter County Sheriff’s Office, Valparaiso Police Department and Indiana State Police
