On Wednesday (2/23/2022) morning at approximately 3:48 a.m., Trooper Dennis Griffin stopped a 1999 silver Honda SUV for speeding on I-65 near the 252 mile-marker, Merrillville, Lake County, Indiana. While speaking with the driver, the driver began to panic and while acting like he was looking for his driver’s license, he placed the SUV into gear and fled.
Trooper Griffin then initiated a pursuit as the driver drove northbound on I-65 at excessive speeds. During the pursuit, the suspect made several movements with his vehicle in an attempt to make the pursuing officer crash. The pursuit continued onto Ridge Rd. and traveled westbound near Martin Luther King Dr. where the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Trooper Griffin caught up to the suspect a short distance later; however, the suspect continued to resist after he was given multiple commands to stop. With the assistance of the Hobart Police Department, he was taken into custody. A passenger that was in the vehicle was released and is not facing any charges.
The suspect, identified as Jaquis L. Brown, 34, from Lawrence, IN was transported to the Lake County Jail where he is being held. Mr. Brown is preliminarily charged with the following offenses:
- Resisting Law Enforcement- Level 5 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement- Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement- Class A Misdemeanor
- Driving While Suspended (Prior Conviction)- Class A Misdemeanor
- Reckless Driving- Class B Misdemeanor
During the arrest, it was learned that Mr. Brown has active warrants for his arrest out of Marion County:
- Rape- Level 3 Felony (Rape when victim is unaware of the defendant’s actions)
- Rape- Level 3 Felony (Rape when compelled by force or imminent threat of force)
- Criminal Confinement- Level 5 Felony
- Sexual Battery- Level 6 Felony
Mr. Brown also had a misdemeanor warrant for Driving While Suspended through LaPorte County.
All suspects are presumed innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.