An off-duty firefighter witnessed the crash and stopped to check for injuries. The firefighter called 911 and stated one of the drivers was attempting to leave the scene of the crash. As the vehicle fled the scene, the caller followed the vehicle from the Indiana Toll Road to I-80/94 where it continued westbound.
Trooper Logan Hensley was able to locate the vehicle at approximately the 13.8 mile-marker and observed the vehicle weaving between the middle and far right lane. Tpr. Hensley also determined that this was the same vehicle involved in the Toll Road crash as it had substantial front end damage. Trp. Hensley activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver continued for approximately a half mile prior to coming to an abrupt stop on the right shoulder. Trp. Hensley and the off duty firefighter were able to place the subject into custody without incident.
A K9 was called to the scene and a positive alert was made by the K9 to the presence of a controlled substance inside the vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search was conducted and a magnetic key hider was located that had six small bags inside that was suspected to be heroin. The driver, Shannon L. Taylor, 47, from Chicago, IL, also admitted to using a controlled substance approximately an hour and a half prior to the incident. Taylor refused medical treatment at the scene and was transported to a local hospital where she consented to a blood draw. Taylor was then transported to the Lake County Jail where she is facing the following charges:
Possession of Heroin Prior Conviction- Level 5 Felony- Leaving the Scene of a Crash While Intoxicated- Class A Misd.
- Operating While Intoxicated Endangering a person (controlled substance)- Class A Misd.
- Operating While Intoxicated (controlled substance)- Class C Misd.
- Violation of No Travel Order- Class B Misd.
Trp. Hensley was assisted by Trp. Eric Madry, Trp. Jason Pratt, S/Trp. O’Bryan Winfield, Trp. Amjad Umrani and Trp. Regan Smith. The vehicle was impounded by Ridge Towing.
The Indiana State Police reminds citizens that if you drive impaired during this Essential Travel Only Order, you can be charged with violating said order, in addition to Operating While Intoxicated.
All charges listed above are merely accusations and probable cause for arrest and any crime mentioned in this release is alleged. Actual charges and/or additional charges will be determined by the Lake County Prosecutor's Office.