(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte man, engaged in a in Police car chase that crossed into Michigan, was fleeing on foot when tackled by a police dog outside Galien.  Travis Hatchel, 35, was taken to the Berrien County Jail after his apprehension on March 11.  Eventually, he will be returned to Indiana to face charges in La Porte County, authorities said.

 

According to La Porte County Police, Hatchel was in a vehicle pulled over for a traffic violation in the area of U.S. 20 and U.S. 35 outside Michigan City.  After contact was made with the driver, though, the vehicle took off, police said.

 

Police said the chase was traveling along 525 West when undisclosed items were thrown out of the vehicle, which later headed eastbound on 1000 North close to the state line.  The pursuit crossed into Michigan on 650 East and ventured down several roads near Three Oaks before winding up in a field north of U.S.. 12 and west of Hampton Road.

 

Police said officers continued the pursuit across and around the field until the vehicle began slowing down in the soft dirt.  The driver placed the vehicle in reverse and backed into an unmarked police vehicle then fled on foot.

 

According to police, Hatchel was chased through a water filled ditch until confronted and taken to the ground by the dog named “Bosco.”  Hatchel was fighting with the dog until grabbed by the officers, who took him away in handcuffs, police said.

 

According to court documents, Hatchel was wanted on several outstanding warrants in La Porte County for allegedly leading officers on a chase in December and fleeing a motor vehicle crash in 2017.  He also has prior convictions for crimes like possession of methamphetamine, burglary and resisting law enforcement.