Suspect In Stolen Vehicle Causes Crash Injuring Two Police Officers
On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at approximately 11:03 AM, Gary Police Department received a call for service reference an auto-theft from 5100 block of Broadway in Gary, according to Commander Jack Hamady.
While officers were enroute to the location an officer observed a vehicle matching the description of the stolen car in the alley of the 3500 block of Broadway. The officers were verifying the plate on the vehicle when the vehicle went through the gas station lot and proceeded southbound on Broadway. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle in the 3700 block of Broadway. The driver of the stolen vehicle a 2007 Pontiac G6 (silver) refused to pull over and continued southbound on Broadway, disregarding the police vehicle’s red/blue lights and siren. The driver of stolen vehicle continued southbound refusing to stop. In the 5300 block of Broadway the driver attempted to turn eastbound on 53rd Ave from Broadway and loss control of the Pontiac striking the utility pole on the southeast corner of the intersection. At that time a second vehicle was struck that was northbound on Broadway and the Officer pursuing the vehicle was involved in the crash as well.
The driver of the stolen vehicle exited from the vehicle and fled on foot. That individual was apprehended before they were able to enter into a nearby business, Hamady said. The suspect was identified as 18 year old male from Gary and was transported to The Lake County Jail.
The Gary Police Department Auto-Theft Division will present charges to the Lake County Prosecutors Office for Auto-Theft (Felony), Resisting Law Enforcement (Felony in vehicle), Resisting Law Enforcement (Misdemeanor), and Operating a vehicle While Never Receiving a License (Misdemeanor).
The officer and his probationary officer were transported to Methodist Northlake by Gary Fire Department for treatment. Also, the driver of the civilian vehicle (33-year-old male from Portage, Indiana) and the passenger (34 year old female from Gary, Indiana) were transported to Methodist Northlake for their injuries.
