Police: Elkhart man led police on chase with meth lab and toddler inside car

An Indiana State Trooper thought he was conducting a routine traffic stop but it turned into a chase, crash and finally a meth bust. And this all unfolded while a two-year-old was inside the car.

Trooper Ben Werner attempted to pull over 23-year-old Preston Alvarez on On Friday, January 23. because his Oldsmobile Alero had an expired license plate. But police say Alvarez didn't stop near the intersection of State Road 19 and West Franklin Street.

Police say Alvarez led the trooper on a short chase on the city's west side before he eventually crashed into another vehicle on Elkhart Avenue near the Easy Shopping Place.  

The people inside the other car were not hurt.

Officers at the accident scene discovered that Alvarez was wanted on warrants, in possession of drugs, and had an active meth lab in his car.

That one-pot meth lab was discovered after the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Team processed the car at the scene due to strong chemical odors emitting from it.

A female as well as a toddler were also inside of Alvarez's vehicle.

All three were taken to Elkhart General Hospital and released. None of them were injured.

Alvarez was arrested and taken to the Elkhart County Jail on several charges to include two warrants for domestic battery and criminal mischief.  

He is also facing resisting law enforcement with a motor vehicle, dealing methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia with a prior charge, possession of methamphetamine, reckless driving, and neglect of a dependent charges.