Portage, IN – A high-speed police pursuit Sunday night, May 10, ended when a fleeing vehicle crashed into a home in Portage, leaving property damage and multiple charges filed against the driver.
According to Indiana State Police, the incident began around 10:00 p.m. when a trooper attempted to stop a Chevrolet Blazer traveling approximately 90 mph on I-94 westbound near the 21.8-mile marker, close to the Burns Harbor/Porter exit. Police say the driver allegedly refused to stop and accelerated to speeds exceeding 130 mph while fleeing.
The pursuit continued onto State Road 249, U.S. 20, and Samuelson Road in Porter County. Authorities say the vehicle crossed railroad tracks at a high rate of speed, became airborne, and the driver lost control before crashing into a residence in the 6700 block of Mercedes Avenue in Portage.
Police identified the driver as Jven Ray Lewis, 20, of Michigan City, Indiana. According to authorities, a loaded Glock handgun with a drum magazine was recovered from his waistband. A female passenger was detained and later transported for medical evaluation due to pain from the crash.
Lewis was taken to a hospital for medical clearance and then booked into the Porter County Jail. He is preliminarily charged with resisting law enforcement, dealing a controlled substance, and reckless driving.
The home sustained damage, though the homeowner was not present at the time. The resident later went to the hospital as a precaution.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
