The driver of the vehicle initially refused to identify himself to Trooper Beers. He became combative when the trooper attempted to place him in custody. While attempting to subdue the suspect, Trooper Beers was bitten on his arm. Trooper Beers then discharged his taser, striking the man with no effect.
A small child that had been riding in the vehicle got out of the vehicle and was precariously close to passing traffic. Trooper Beers instructed the child to get back into his car, and then gave chase of the male driver. The brief foot pursuit led them across the highway and into an area of thick brush. A K-9 was requested in locating the suspect. A search of the area was unsuccessful, and the 6 year old child was released to the child's mother at the scene.
The vehicle was impounded by Herrera's Towing. Trooper Beers was treated and released for injuries sustained during his struggle with the fleeing driver. This is an ongoing investigation and the Indiana State Police are currently attempting to the identify and locate the suspect.
Assisting: Hammond Police, Lake County Sheriff's Dept., Troopers from both Toll Road and Lowell Post of the Indiana State Police.
Corporal Eric Rot 8635
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.