Charges filed in two state high-speed chase

A warrant has been issued for a La Porte County man who allegedly led Berrien County Deputies and Indiana State Police on a two state chase in October.

The Berrien County Trial Court issued a three count warrant on November 4 charging Refugio Ochoa Sanchez, 42, with fleeing and eluding a police officer, operating a motor vehicle with a high BAC and failure to stop at a property damage accident.

At approximately 5:20 p.m. on October 25, 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 their vehicle had been hit by a driver and pointed out the suspect vehicle, a tan-colored Jeep Liberty.

As deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver 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.

Sanchez sustained minor injuries during the crash.

Deputies said Sanchez had a preliminary BAC of .18 at the time of the incident.