Police Deploy Stop Sticks & K9 During Pursuit Sunday
On Sunday, July 2, 2023 at approximately 8:38 PM, Schererville Officers were dispatched to the area of US Route 30 and US 41 in reference to a reckless driver, according to Schererville Police. Officers were advised that the driver of a white Buick Regal was driving in a reckless manner, and passing vehicles on the shoulder at a high rate of speed.
Upon arrival, Schererville Officers observed the driver was traveling in the left through lane of traffic, crossing the solid yellow line into the center turn lane. As the driver continued to travel west, she was swerving between the right and left through lanes of traffic, without using a turn signal.
Officers turned on their lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop when the driver swerved to the right through lane of traffic, began to slow down, however, quickly sped up. Stop sticks were set out just west of Calumet Avenue on US Route 30, police told RNS. The driver of the Buick struck the stop sticks and the front two tires began to slowly deflate. The driver continued to travel west on US Route 30, through Hart Street. The driver then continued west into Illinois, over the bridge near US Route 30 and the state line. While traveling over the bridge, the driver struck the median several times. The driver approached US Route 30 and Lincoln Highway and continued westbound, in the eastbound lanes of traffic.
Another set of stop sticks were deployed in order to deflate the rear tires. The driver then struck the second set of stop sticks. The driver began to lose control of the vehicle and started to travel north on Torrence Avenue from Lincoln Highway. The driver then pulled into the parking lot of 2393 Lincoln Highway (Mobil Gas Station), and came to a stop.
Officers took the driver into custody with the assistance of a K9 and the following charges are pending against the subject arrested Loretta Shay Bell, 40, of Hammond.
Resisting Law Enforcement (F6)
Operating While Intoxicated – Endangering (MA)
Resisting Law Enforcement (MA)
Criminal Recklessness (MB)
Operating While Intoxicated (MC)
Reckless Driving (MC)
