Lake Station Police Arrest Fleeing Suspect Who Tossed Gun In Gary
On Monday at 10:09 AM, Lake Station Police Officer Birmingham was working an aggressive driving grant, according by to Lake Station Police Chief James Richardson. Officer Birmingham observed a gold Chevy traveling 51 mph in a 25 mph zone and initiated a traffic stop.
Officer Birmingham approached the vehicle and could smell the odor of Marijuana coming from inside, Richardson said. Officer Birmingham asked for backup and instructed the driver to get out of the vehicle. At this time the male reached into the center console and closed it quickly before accelerating from the stop, police stated. Officer Birmingham returned to his vehicle and gave chase.
The male drove southbound initially and then traveled back North on Clay. Officer Frizzell & Cpl. Shaw observed Officer Birmingham at 15th and Clay and joined the prusing Officer. The suspect then drove south onto Lake Street before pulling into the McDonald’s parking lot at 761 S Lake Street. Officer Birmingham observed the driver attempting to restart his vehicle with success. The vehicle again pulled away from police traveling Eastbound and entered a trailer park at 20 and Jaspers Street. The suspect then drove east into the construction zone parallel to the railroad tracks causing officers to strike a large dip in the road as they approached Howard Street. The vehicles continued as they leaked fluids, Richardson added. The suspect continued to elude officers west onto 4th Ave before stalling out. The suspect thenexcited his vehicle and ran west towards Marquette Apartments. As the suspect was running he reached into his gym shorts with his right hand pulling a gun out and throwing it over his head into a wooded area, police told RNS.
Officers proceeded to give a description of the suspect over the radio. As Gary Police arrived to assist, the suspect ran across 4th & Grand Blvd. The male was apprehended by Gary Officers and Lake Station Police Officer Birmingham.
The name and mugshot are pending approved charges through The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
