Wanted Osceola man arrested after chase in La Porte County

Photo courtesy: La Porte County Sheriff\'s Office

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. – An Osceola man wanted in two states and one county was arrested Tuesday after allegedly leading police on a chase, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office reported.

At 2:07 a.m., a deputy noticed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station in the 5900 block of North U.S. 35.

The deputy tried to make a traffic stop but the vehicle allegedly left the lot and headed north on U.S. 35, reports said.

The deputy learned the vehicle, a tan 2002 Mercury, had been reported stolen out of St. Joseph County, Indiana.

The vehicle turned east onto U.S. 20 and continued along, allegedly disregarding the deputy, according to reports.

Law enforcement pursued the vehicle on U.S. 20, south on S.R. 39, north on U.S. 35, and east again on U.S. 20.

The pursuit continued east through the “Dog Bone” Interchange, onto S.R. 2, and into St. Joseph County.

The vehicle hit a set of tire deflation devices near Western Avenue and Mayflower Road and continued along Western before stopping near South Walnut Street.

The driver and only occupant allegedly got out of the vehicle and ran before being taken into custody in the 400 block of Harris Street, reports said.

The driver was identified as 30-year-old Andrew J. Waltz. He was taken to the La Porte County Jail on the following charges:

• Resisting law enforcement
• Possession of stolen property
• Driving while suspended, prior
• Reckless driving

Police also learned Waltz is a wanted person by authorities in Elkhart County, Michigan, and Tennessee.

He is being held without bond.