LaPorte man faces charges in two states after high-speed chase

A LaPorte man faces charges after a hit-and-run that turned into a high-speed police chase Tuesday evening.

At approximately 5:20 p.m., a deputy from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office was flagged down by two individuals near Red Arrow Highway and U.S. 12.

Deputies say the individuals advised the deputy that their vehicle had been hit by a reckless driver and pointed out the suspect vehicle, a tan-colored Jeep Liberty.

As deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the vehicle allegedly failed to stop and proceeded to flee deputies at a high rate of speed.

According to authorities, the chase continued westbound on I-94 into Indiana as the driver was driving in a reckless manner, nearly causing several other crashes.

As the driver attempted to exit I-94 at the Michigan City exit, he lost control of the vehicle and rolled the Jeep several times.

The suspect sustained minor injuries during the crash.

Deputies state the driver had a preliminary blood alcohol level of .18 at the time of the incident.

In Michigan, the driver faces charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, fleeing and eluding, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Authorities add the driver will also face charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license in Indiana.