Crime & Safety
Indiana I-80 Arrest: Driver Allegedly Attacks 2 Semis With Axe
Hammond, IN – An axe wielding driver allegedly attacked two semi trucks along Interstate 80 ne…
By Avery Collins · 2026-09-12T18:50:07.366Z
Hammond, IN – An axe wielding driver allegedly attacked two semi trucks along Interstate 80 near Hammond before leading police on a pursuit Friday afternoon, according to Indiana State Police.
According to Indiana State Police, troopers were first dispatched around 4:30 p.m. Friday to eastbound I 80 near the 1.9 mile marker and Calumet Avenue after receiving a report of a man attacking a semi with an axe.
Police said the truck driver reported seeing a Volkswagen driving erratically, brake checking and cutting off semis. The Volkswagen allegedly stopped directly in front of her truck, forcing her to stop.
The suspect allegedly got out carrying a long handled axe and struck the semi& 39;s grille, puncturing its radiator, before hitting a headlight. Police said he then approached the driver& 39;s door but returned to his vehicle after the trucker& 39;s large dog began barking.
About 19 minutes later, dispatchers received another 911 call near I 80& 39;s 5.4 mile marker by Cline Avenue. Police said a second trucker reported the same Volkswagen had been traveling about 10 mph before swerving in front of his semi. The suspect allegedly exited and struck the front of that truck with an axe before leaving.
A trooper later spotted the Volkswagen eastbound on I 80. Police said the driver accelerated after emergency lights and sirens were activated, eventually reaching about 80 mph.
Lake County sheriff& 39;s deputies boxed in the vehicle and stopped it. Police identified the driver as Ivan Savych, 29, of New Jersey. An axe was allegedly recovered from the Volkswagen.
Savych was taken to the Lake County Jail and preliminarily charged with Level 6 felony resisting law enforcement and two counts of Class A misdemeanor criminal mischief.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.