Mother’s Day Begins with O.W.I. Arrest And Then A Foot Pursuit
Indiana State Troopers at the Lowell District have been busy this Mother’s Day, stopping two cars traveling over 100 mph, one of which involved a short pursuit and foot chase; the other being an impaired driver and then responding to a fatal crash, Sgt. Glen Fifield of The Indiana State Police released Sunday morning.
At approximately 11:30 p.m. last night, Trooper Eric Madry observed a maroon Buick traveling at 114 mph on I-80/94. The posted speed limit is 55 mph. Trooper Madry was able to stop the vehicle as it exited onto Grant St. Subsequent investigation lead the trooper to believe that the driver may be impaired. Field sobriety tests were attempted by the driver and a certified breath test was later administered at the Lake County Jail. The driver failed the test registering .13 % blood alcohol content. The legal limit in Indiana is .08%. The driver was arrested for O.W.I. (Endangering) which is a Class A Misdemeanor.
At 12:30 a.m., Trooper William Carlson observed a silver Chevrolet Cruze traveling at 112 mph on I-80/94 east bound near Kennedy Ave. As Trooper Carlson initiated a short pursuit, the vehicle exited onto Cline Ave. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a light pole. The driver then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Trooper Carlson then initiated a foot pursuit and caught up to the suspect. The suspect then turned and began to walk towards Trooper Carlson as he was given loud verbal commands to stop. As the suspect continued to disregard the Trooper, a taser was deployed. The suspect was then taken into custody without further incident. The suspect has been identified as Najee Hill, 20, from Dolton, IL. He was transported to the Lake County Jail and is facing the following charges:
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement on foot- Class A Misdemeanor
- Reckless Driving – Class B Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor
- Leaving the scene of a property damage crash- Class B Misdemeanor
- Stay at Home order violation – Class B Misdemeanor
- Unsafe Lane Movement – Infraction
- Suspended license – Infraction
Assisting: Trooper Eric Madry, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Griffith PD, and Waffco Towing.
All persons named in this article are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. All charges mentioned are merely accusations, actual charges will be determined by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
