Driver leads police on two chases in two days

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A teenager was arrested after allegedly leading police on two chases Wednesday and Thursday, the Indiana State Police reported.

At 8:25 p.m. Thursday evening, a state trooper parked in a lot near Bendix Drive saw a gray 2012 Dodge Charger he recognized as one that had driven away from him the night before, reports said.

The trooper left the lot to watch the Charger and saw the vehicle ignore a stop sign at West Colfax Avenue and Kaley Street, police said.

The trooper turned on his lights to make a traffic stop as the Charger turned west on Washington Street.

The vehicle pulled to the right side of the road before driving off as the trooper began getting out of his police car.

The driver of the Charger allegedly led troopers down multiple streets before pulling into an address in the 1800 block of Lincoln Way West, reports said.

A female got out of the Charger before the vehicle drove off down an alley.

The driver then allegedly continued to lead police down multiple streets with a flat front tire, reports said.

The chase continued northbound on Kaley Street before turning east on West Colfax Avenue.

A trooper was on the left side of the Charger to keep it from going north towards a dangerous intersection.

The driver of the Charger pulled behind the trooper and ran into the back of his police car, ending the chase, police said.

A search of the Charger found a loaded handgun, suspected marijuana, and suspected Ecstasy, reports said.

The driver of the Charger, 18-year-old Josiah Salinas of South Bend, initially refused to get out of the car but was eventually safely taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for medical clearance due to the crash, police said.

Salinas was medically cleared and taken to the St. Joseph County Jail where he faces the following preliminary charges, reports said:

• Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle
• Reckless driving
• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of a handgun without a license
• Operating while intoxicated
• Operator never licensed

The South Bend Police Department assisted the Indiana State Police in this incident.