Driver arrested following pursuit, police searching for passenger

Nicholas Cook

Travis Hatchel


LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- A driver was arrested following an hour long pursuit throughout La Porte County Monday afternoon, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office.

Around 4 p.m., Valparaiso Police officers working a special detail spotted a gold Cadillac commit a traffic infraction as it traveled on I-94 in La Porte County.

The officers attempted a traffic stop in the area of US 421 and I-94 but the driver, later identified as 34-year-old Nicholas Cook, did not stop, police said.

A pursuit of Cook's vehicle traveled into Michigan City, rural areas of La Porte County and into La Porte, police said.

Just before 5 p.m., the pursuit ended at Fail Road and CR200 North when the driver stopped and he and his passenger fled into a mobile home community, reports said.

Police established a perimeter and eventually located Cook.

He was taken into custody on preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement (level 6 felony), resisting law enforcement (A-misdemeanor), driving while suspended (A-misdemeanor), aggressive driving (A-misdemeanor), reckless driving (B-misdemeanor) and criminal recklessness (B-misdemeanor).  

The passenger was identified as 33-year-old Travis Hatchel. He has not been arrested and is wanted by the La Porte County Sheriff's Office and officials in St. Joseph County, police said.

If you know the whereabouts of Hatchel, you are asked to provide an anonymous tip to Sergeant Brett Swanson of the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST) by calling or texting (219) 363-9623.

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