One arrested after alleged attempted burglary turned police chase and crash

We can report that at least one individual has been detained. The suspect, 34-year-old Dustin Pate, has been taken to the St. Joseph County Jail.

While multiple officers were injured, ABC57 has been told they are all expected to make a full recovery.

In the early Monday morning hours, St. Joseph County police headed to the 13000 block of S.R. 23, investigating a potential attempted burglary. According to Mishawaka police, Pate was given orders to stop what he was doing, which he ignored, leading to the initial vehicle pursuit. 

Officials say the chase was terminated shortly after, but Pate crashed into another vehicle near the corner of S.R. 23 and Cleveland Road. After the crash, Pate made verbal threats to officers and attempted to steal another car. A K9 unit was deployed, and Pate hit the dog on the head with his fist.

The report states Pate then assaulted two officers, took one of the officer's firearms, and fired a shot, before striking one of the officers in the face with the gun.

Shortly after, Pate was taken under control and arrested, before being taken to a local hospital to treat his injuries. Officials say a woman was also detained and brought to Mishawaka Police Department for an interview.

Multiple St. Joseph County police officers suffered injuries from the pursuit and crash; however, they are all expected to recover. Two officers have been placed on administrative leave, as is department policy.

St. Joseph County Sheriff William Redman said, "Our primary concern is the well-being of our officers. They sustained injuries during this incident, and just as importantly, we recognize the mental and emotional toll situations like this can have. Ensuring our officers have the time, care, and support they need to recover, both physically and mentally, remains our top priority.”

One witness who spoke with ABC57 says he saw the axle and tire coming from one of the cars involved in the crash.

Pate faces possible charges of two counts of Attempted Murder, Attempted Residential Entry, Resisting Law Enforcement in a vehicle, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Intimidation, Attempted Unauthorized Entry in a Motor Vehicle, Attempted Motor Vehicle Theft, Resisting Law Enforcement by Drawing a Deadly Weapon, Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer, Striking a Law Enforcement Animal, Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, and Operator Never Licensed.