LaPorte County, IN – A reported high-speed chase on Friday evening led to the arrest of two individuals from Illinois.
According to Indiana State Police, the pursuit began around 7:15 p.m. when a trooper reportedly attempted to stop a black Jeep traveling at 71 mph in a 45 mph zone on U.S. 20 near C.R. 400 E. The driver, identified as Roberto Valencuela, 19, of Matteson, IL, allegedly fled west on U.S. 20 and onto I-94, prompting a multi-agency response. The chase continued through LaPorte and Porter Counties, with officers deploying stop sticks multiple times along I-94.
The pursuit finally ended near the Lake Station exit after the Jeep struck stop sticks near the Portage exit. Valencuela was taken into custody and transported to the LaPorte County Jail. He faces alleged charges including dealing a Schedule IV substance, possession of a machine gun, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, and reckless driving.
A female passenger, Angela Rodriguez, 18, of Chicago, IL, was also arrested. She faces alleged charges of dealing a Schedule IV substance, possession of a machine gun, and possession of marijuana. The firearm found in the vehicle was a Glock 23 modified to be fully automatic.
The LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office will determine final charges. Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
