Lake County, IN – A high-risk traffic stop along Interstate 65 in Lake County escalated into a dangerous pursuit early Monday morning, May 5, after a suspect allegedly fled with officers inside his vehicle and later jumped from the moving van, authorities said.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began just before 8 a.m. when an officer attempted to stop a 1998 Chevy van traveling about 93 mph in a 70 mph zone on southbound I-65 in Northwest Indiana.
Officials said the driver initially pulled over but refused commands and allegedly attempted to hide a plastic bag believed to contain pills. As officers tried to remove him, the suspect climbed into the driver’s seat and drove off with two officers still inside the van.
Authorities say the suspect swerved across lanes of traffic, attempted to strike two semi-trucks, and ignored repeated commands to stop. The van was eventually brought under control near Lowell after one officer managed to get into the driver’s seat.
Investigators say the suspect then opened the door and jumped from the moving vehicle onto the highway before attempting to flee on foot. An officer pursued and deployed a Taser, taking the suspect into custody.
Police recovered suspected MDA pills, cocaine, and marijuana from the vehicle.
The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Kieth D. McCoy of Indianapolis, is being held at the Lake County Jail. He faces 22 felony charges, including kidnapping and resisting law enforcement, along with four misdemeanor charges.
No serious injuries were reported. The case remains under investigation.
