Highland, IN – A routine traffic stop on Thursday night led to a police pursuit on I-80/94 and the arrest of two individuals with outstanding warrants.
According to the Highland Police Department, an officer participating in a Lake County Saturation Patrol observed a black 2006 Lexus traveling north on Broadway at approximately 9:53 p.m. Loud noises from the vehicle drew the officer’s attention, and the vehicle stopped in the lanes of travel due to a mechanical issue.
Upon inspection, the officer found a small child, a 3-year-old boy, not secured in a safety seat, and a female passenger with an active burglary warrant from Hamilton County, Indiana. The driver initially provided false identification. When the officer requested correct information, the driver fled, leading to a pursuit.
The pursuit, initially conducted at slow speeds on local streets, intensified when the driver entered westbound I-80/94. The Highland officer terminated the chase for the child’s safety, but other units continued. The driver eventually abandoned the vehicle and was captured on foot.
Both the driver, a 39-year-old man from Gary, IN, and the passenger were arrested. The driver faces multiple charges, including reckless driving and child neglect. The child was released to a relative, and Indiana Child Protective Services was notified. The investigation remains ongoing.
