LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- A La Porte County Sheriff's Office Deputy was led on a high-speed chase on the Indiana Toll Road Tuesday that ended with the suspect rolling their vehicle and fleeing on foot before they and their passengers were taken to area hospitals. 

Authorities say, around 1:52 p.m. on Feb. 26, the deputy was monitoring westbound traffic on the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) near the 52-mile marker. The deputy saw a black Jeep SUV pass by him traveling less than one car length behind a commercial vehicle.

"In the area of the 42-mile marker, the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the SUV," the LCSO said. "The SUV began to yield to the right but suddenly accelerated and continued westbound. As a result of the driver’s actions, a motor vehicle pursuit (MVP) was initiated."

The pursuit continued west on the toll road when, near the 34-mile marker, one of the occupants threw a baggie from the vehicle.

"The SUV was able to maneuver around a set of tire deflation devices that had been placed on the roadway in the area of the 31-mile marker," the LCSO said. "Just west of the Portage Toll Barrier, the SUV conducted a U-turn and began to flee back eastbound on the toll road."

Just a few miles later, at the 39-mile marker, authorities say the SUV exited the toll road and continued fleeing south on U.S. 421.

"The SUV left the east side of the roadway in the 2000 south block, crashed, and rolled several times," the LCSO said. "The driver exited, fled on foot, and was apprehended a short time later."

Two injured passengers were removed from the SUV following the crash and both were transported by ground to an area hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the crash.

The driver was identified as 42-year-old Kleve Panayoty of Brooklyn, New York. He was transported to an area hospital for medical clearance.

Once cleared, he was transported to the La Porte County Jail on the following charges:

• Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony
• Leaving the Scene w/SBI, Level 6 Felony
• Never Receiving a License, C-Misdemeanor

As of Wednesday morning, Panayoty remains housed in the LCJ and is being held a $755 cash bond through Circuit Court.