(Porter County, IN) - A 54-mile police chase involving a stolen U-Haul truck went through LaPorte County Monday.

The pursuit began around 9:00 p.m. Monday night just west of Elkhart. Police encountered a U-Haul that had been reported stolen out of Ohio.

The U-Haul continued west, driving erratically and hitting stop sticks deployed by police near US 31 and again in LaPorte County. The truck lost its tires and eventually a wheel before grinding to a halt in Porter County.

The driver, 26-year-old Geramie Evans of Wheaton, Illinois, was taken into custody. Police suspect he was under the influence of marijuana, which was allegedly found in his possession. Evans also allegedly kicked and spit on officers after being released to their custody.