La Porte County Sheriff's Office makes arrest following pursuit

Photo courtesy of La Porte County Sheriff's Office

Photo courtesy of La Porte County Sheriff's Office

LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. – On the morning of December 26, a sergeant from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest following a motor vehicle pursuit.

Sergeant Andrew Hahn observed a red pickup truck traveling west on State Road 2 that appeared to be occupied by a male driver and female passenger.

According to police, the driver attempted to keep his face obstructed, when passing the sergeant.

Hahn completed a registration check on the license plate that was on the truck and was notified that the female registered owner of the truck was a wanted person.  

A traffic stop was initiated, but the driver refused to stop, suddenly speeding off after Sergeant Hahn gave the driver and passenger several commands.

The truck made a stop near the intersection of Factory and Boston streets and the female passenger exited the vehicle, immediately being detained by Deputy Bobby Greer.

In the midst of the pursuit, Sergeant Hanh came to recognize the driver as being 35-year-old Travis Hatchel of South Bend.

The La Porte City Police were able to successfully deploy a set of tire deflation devices, deflating two tires, but Hatchel continued to drive.

Hatchel eventually fled the vehicle on foot, and was taken into custody by Deputies Austin Epple and Josh Smith.

Police said Hatchel was transported to Northwest Health – La Porte campus and after being medically cleared for incarceration, was transported to the La Porte County Jail.

Hatchel was arrested for multiple offenses and remains housed in the La Porte County Jail with no bond.

The female who exited the truck during the pursuit was not the wanted person and was able to go home after providing a statement.

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