LaPorte County-A vehicle being stopped for a traffic violation turned into two people getting arrested when the driver decided to flee.
Early, this morning, July 2nd, at approximately 2:20 a.m. Trooper Justin Heflin observed a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria travelling with no headlights going southbound on Johnson Road near Whipporwill Avenue in Trail Creek. Heflin turned his emergency lights and siren on and attempted to stop the Ford.
The driver refused to stop and continued southbound on Johnson. Speeds increased to 90 miles per hour with no traffic and dry roads. After several minutes, the Ford attempted to go westbound on 500 North but was going too fast for the turn, went off the road into the grass, where the Ford spun out, and the rear of the Crown Victoria hit a fence surrounding a communication’s tower. The driver fled on foot into a corn field.
Heflin was able to describe the fleeing driver and observed two female passengers inside the car. An ambulance was called to the scene but both females refused medical treatment. Further investigation revealed that the driver, later identified as Ian L. Rawls, 27 of Michigan City, was wanted on a warrant out of LaPorte City for Auto Theft. The 2005 Ford Crown Victoria was reported stolen from Westville on June 30, 2015. It was towed from the scene.
One of the passengers, Jennifer Lynn Krueger, 29 of LaPorte, was arrested and taken to LaPorte County Jail for Interference and giving False Identification both Misdemeanors.
The other female, a thirty seven year, who was cooperative was not charged.
Rawls was later located, at approximately 5:55 a.m., by a LaPorte County Sheriff’s deputy at Garden Street and Waverly Road in LaPorte and taken into custody on the warrant for vehicle theft.
Charges are pending on the pursuit until conferring with the LaPorte County Prosecutor.
Picture is of Rawls
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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