Gary, IN – A high-speed police pursuit early Tuesday morning, May 12, stretched across Lake and Porter counties, reaching speeds up to 140 mph before ending in multiple arrests, according to Indiana State Police.
According to investigators, the incident began around 2:06 a.m. when a trooper observed a black Toyota traveling at a high rate of speed on I-80 near Gary. Police say the vehicle was initially clocked at 110 mph in a 55 mph zone near Lake Station and continued accelerating as the trooper attempted to initiate a stop.
Authorities allege the driver refused to pull over, accelerating to speeds exceeding 130 mph as the pursuit continued eastbound onto I-94 into Porter County. The vehicle reportedly weaved through traffic and reached speeds near 140 mph.
Officers deployed stop sticks near the 21-mile marker, which the suspect vehicle struck before continuing briefly. The vehicle eventually lost multiple tires and came to a stop near the 26-mile marker in Chesterton.
Police identified the driver as Carmela Maureen Pantoja, 20, of Elkhart, Indiana. She allegedly showed signs of impairment and later registered a blood alcohol content of 0.09%, according to authorities.
Pantoja faces multiple preliminary charges, including felony resisting law enforcement, operating while intoxicated, reckless driving, and possession of marijuana.
A passenger, identified as 23-year-old Maliek M. Long, was also taken into custody on outstanding warrants. Two additional passengers were released at the scene.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
