South Bend man arrested for multiple offenses after fleeing from an Indiana State Trooper

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Indiana State Police say 43-year-old Clifton Vortice, of South Bend, was arrested for multiples offenses after leading an Indiana State Trooper on a chase, Wednesday evening.

Authorities say around 10:53 p.m. Wednesday, State Trooper Garrett Tharp made a traffic stop on a tan Chevy for an equipment violation near the intersection of Bendix Drive and Cleveland Road.

The Chevy stopped initially in the right lane, but as Tharp approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, the driver allegedly put the car in drive, fleeing west on Cleveland Road.

Police say near the intersection of Cleveland Road and Ralph Jones Drive, Tharp saw the driver throw something out of the car before the Chevy came to a stop on Ralph Jones Drive north of the intersection.

Vortice was then identified as the driver and was safely taken into custody. 

Official documents state Vortice was showing signs of being under the influence of drugs while speaking with Tharp.

Vortice was then transported to a local hospital to have a certified test completed. Results of this test are pending.

Authorities say further investigation resulted in troopers finding a bag containing approximately 15 grams of suspected MDMA (ecstasy) that Vortice allegedly threw from the car while fleeing. 

Troopers also located suspected marijuana in the Chevrolet.

Vortice was taken to the St. Joseph County Jail for dealing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, obstruction of justice, resisting law enforcement, driving while suspended-prior, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, and operating while intoxicated.