South Bend men arrested in Porter County after pursuit involving stolen vehicle
Tyler Sykes, James Johnson PORTER COUNTY, Ind. -- Four people now face charges after a police pursuit near Indiana's border with Illinois.
According to Indiana State Police, a trooper located a stolen vehicle on I-94 near the Portage exit on November 1 just before 2 a.m. He attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver continued, leading to a police pursuit with the driver allegedly reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour.
Court documents show the vehicle exited I-94 on a ramp and struck the median guardrail mid-turn. After the crash, the trooper drew his firearm and ordered the driver and passengers to stay in the vehicle.
The driver, 18-year-old James Johnson of South Bend, exited the vehicle after being ordered and was detained. Three other passengers exited the vehicle when told, including 18-year-old Tyler Sykes of South Bend. When police searched Sykes, marijuana was found in his pockets, leading to a charge for Possession of Marijuana.
The other two passengers, who ABC57 is choosing not to name because they are underage, are also charged with one count of criminal trespassing each.
All four males were taken to the hospital to be evaluated. The two juveniles were released to their guardians at the hospital. Johnson and Sykes were then transported to the Porter County Jail.
During a computer check at the scene, Johnson was found to only hold a learner's permit and not a driver's license. Johnson is now charged with Criminal Recklessness committed with a deadly weapon, two counts of Resisting Law Enforcement, Auto Theft, Aggressive Driving and Reckless Driving.
The trooper who initiated the traffic stop also noted that this was the third incident involving a stolen vehicle he encountered that night.
Approximately 35 minutes prior, the trooper responded to a crash on I-65 involving an SUV and semi. The driver of the SUV had fled the scene when troopers arrived. After an initial investigation, law enforcement determined the SUV was stolen in Merrillville 20 minutes before the crash.
Three hours earlier than that crash, a separate pursuit in Gary, IN led to a crash and then a chase on foot. The suspects were able to escape, and the vehicle was impounded.
