Steuben County, IN — A high-speed police pursuit on Interstate 69 in Steuben County ended Wednesday morning when a fleeing vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a creek, leading to one arrest and multiple criminal charges.
According to Indiana State Police, the incident began just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, when a trooper observed a dark-colored Dodge Charger traveling 105 mph in a posted 70 mph zone on northbound I-69 in Steuben County.
Police say the trooper activated emergency lights in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly refused to stop and continued northbound. The pursuit ended near the 350-mile marker at the County Road 200 West exit, where the vehicle reportedly left the roadway and became stuck in a creek.
Authorities identified the driver as Dakota Carter, 21, of Fort Wayne. According to police, Carter was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Steuben County Jail. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
During the investigation, police say a handgun was allegedly thrown from inside the vehicle and landed in the creek. A member of the Indiana State Police Underwater Search and Rescue Team later recovered the firearm from the water.
Carter was arrested on the following charges, according to police:
- Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle — Level 6 felony
- Criminal recklessness with a vehicle while in possession of a handgun — Level 6 felony
- Possession of marijuana — Class B misdemeanor
- Operating while intoxicated (controlled substance) — Class C misdemeanor
Indiana State Police were assisted at the scene by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Angola Police Department, and the Indiana State Police Underwater Search and Rescue Team. The case remains under investigation.
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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