On Saturday night, Trooper Alissa Partyka made a traffic stop on a 2000 Chrysler Sebring on U.S. 12 and Clay Street in Gary for a traffic violation. The Sebring initially stopped in a gravel lot east of Clay Street but then slowly began to drive away. 43 year old Arthuro B. Smith of Gary, drove around the police car and then fled east on U.S. 12. As Smith was east on U.S. 12 he drove into the westbound lane and Partyka pulled her police car alongside the Sebring. Smith steered his car to the right and hit Partyka’s police car on the driver’s rear side. Smith still on the west bound side of U.S. 12 was approaching the intersection of U.S. 12 and South Lake Street when Troopers Partyka and Justin Hansen attempted to box the Sebring in before he reached the intersection for the safety of motorists. Trooper Hansen drove his fully marked police car next to the driver’s side of the Sebring when Smith steered his car to the left and struck Hansen’s front passenger side of the car. Smith crashed the Sebring into a pile of debris near the 5700 block of Melton Road and then fled on foot. Partyka, Hansen and Hansen’s K-9 partner Nikan pursued after Smith and caught him in an empty lot near the 5700 block of East Dunes Highway. Smith sustained non-life threatening injuries which occurred when he fell during the foot pursuit. Smith was NOT bitten by the K-9. Smith was taken to Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Hobart and was eventually released. Smith was also found to be twice the legal limit intoxicated (.08% Blood Alcohol Content). He also stated he fled because his license was suspended. Smith was taken to the Lake County Jail in Crown Point and was charged with Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), OWI Endangerment, OWI with BAC over .15%, Leaving Scene of a Property Damage Crash, Criminal Recklessness, Open Container, Driving While Suspended, Disregarding a Stop Sign and Driving Left of Center.