Students report stranger danger, suspect arrested on multiple charges

Friday morning Elkhart Police were called to Toledo Road and CR 15 after students reported a man was offering rides to kids waiting for the bus.

The students told police a man was asking kids if they wanted a ride. They all refused and reported the incident to their bus driver.

The bus driver immediately reported the incident to police.

The driver also reported the suspect was following the bus and driving erratically, according to police.

Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle in the area of US33 and Lewis Street.

The driver did not stop and fled from police. At one point, the driver nearly drove into the path of an oncoming bus with students on board, according to police.

Police pursued the vehicle until it stopped in a driveway in the 59000 block of Creek Ridge Court.

The driver was taken into custody.

The driver, a 17-year-old male, was taken to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment of a pre-existing medical condition.

The driver is facing preliminary charges of criminal recklessness, operating while intoxicated, illegal consumption, resisting law enforcement and operator never licensed.

Share this article: