Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle Ends With Search For Driver Near Dyer
On December 10, 2020 at 10:24PM, a Schererville officer on patrol observed a red Dodge Magnum traveling eastbound on US Hwy 30 near Burr Street. The officer observed a traffic infraction and positioned his patrol vehicle behind the Dodge Magnum at a red light at US 30 and Pine Island Drive, according to Deputy Chief Jeff Cook of The Schererville Police. While waiting for the light to cycle, the officer conducted a records check on the license plate, which showed the vehicle was reported stolen out of Cook County, Illinois. After the light cycle, the Dodge Magnum continued eastbound on US Hwy 30 into Merrillville, the officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at US Hwy 30 and Taft Street. The driver of the Dodge then sped up and moved from the right lane into the left lane and accelerated. The officer followed the vehicle eastbound to Polo Club Drive where the driver made a u-turn and began traveling westbound on US Hwy 30. The driver fled westbound on US Hwy 30 into Lynwood, Illinois, Cook told RNS.
The pursuit ended when the driver of the Dodge crashed, officers observed two male suspects run from the vehicle. The passenger, a 27-year-old male from Berwyn, Illinois was taken into custody while the driver fled into a nearby field, Cook stated. Lake County Sheriff’s Department’s helicopter unit responded to the scene to assist in the search as well as two K-9 units form Schererville and St. John Police departments. After approximately one hour, the search for the driver was called off.
The passenger is charged with one (1) count of Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the identity of the driver, anyone with information on the driver of the vehicle can call Detective Commander Kevin Wagner at 219-322-5000 or to remain anonymous can call the Crime Tip Hotline at 219-865-4646.
