Yesterday morning deputies were advised of a stolen vehicle traveling within in the city limits of La Porte. The vehicle, a gray Buick Encore, had recently been reported as stolen to authorities in Porter County.
At approximately 7:30 AM, Deputy Justin Phillips located the stolen vehicle traveling east on McClung Road. A high-risk traffic stop was initiated at the intersection of McClung Road and Park Street. After briefly stopping, the vehicle sped off resulting in a motor vehicle pursuit (MVP).
The MVP traveled north on CR 100 West, east on CR 450 North, south on Range Road, east on CR 400 North, and into a field. The vehicle continued to flee north through the field before making its way back to Range Road. The MVP continued north on Range Road and across all lanes of US 20. The vehicle collided with a utility pole on the northeast corner of the intersection and came to a stop.
Shortly after Deputies Phillips and Keith Waltz exited their vehicles, the driver displayed a weapon. The driver attempted to leave the scene, however, was unable to do so because of the disabling damage the vehicle had sustained in the crash.
Members of the Sheriffβs Office Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Hostage Crisis Negotiators were activated and responded to the scene. The westbound lanes of US 20 were closed for scene security. Negotiators communicated with the driver on and off for nearly two (2) hours before the subject was taken into custody.
The driver was identified as Derek E. HARRISON (36 YOA) of La Porte. HARRISON was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
ERT members recovered a black BB gun resembling that of a Beretta handgun from within the interior of the vehicle.
The necessary paperwork will be forwarded to the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorneyβs Office for review of criminal charges and possible issuance of an arrest warrant.
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.