Northwest Indiana – Halloween night turned hectic for Indiana State Police troopers in Lowell, as three separate stolen vehicle incidents led to high-speed chases, crashes, and multiple arrests across the region.
According to Indiana State Police, the night began around 9:30 p.m. when Trooper Haddon attempted to stop a stolen silver Nissan Versa near 25th Avenue and Clark Road in Gary. The driver refused to stop, leading troopers on a chase that ended when the car crashed on 15th Avenue. Two suspects fled on foot and remain at large.
Around 1:20 a.m. Saturday, Trooper Haddon responded to a second crash on I-65 near Ridge Road, involving a stolen white Hyundai SUV. The vehicle, reported stolen from Merrillville minutes earlier, had struck a semi and the median before becoming disabled. The driver fled before troopers arrived. Merrillville Police continue to investigate that theft.
Later, Trooper Haddon located another stolen car eastbound on I-94 near Portage. The driver refused to stop, sparking a pursuit through Porter and LaPorte Counties. The vehicle crashed near the South Bend/LaPorte exit ramp, where four suspects—two adults and two juveniles—were taken into custody.
The driver, James Johnson, 18, of South Bend, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges including resisting law enforcement and auto theft. Tyler L. Sykes, 18, also of South Bend, faces trespass and possession charges.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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