(La Porte County, IN) - A man is accused of leading police on a high speed chase until pulling into his driveway in Union Mills early today.
Just before 1 a.m., a La Porte County Police officer clocked an SUV at 76 miles per hour on U.S. 35 near Kingsbury. Police said the officer attempted to make a traffic stop but the suspect accelerated to more than 100 miles per hour.
Police said the pursuit veered westbound on U.S. 6 and southbound on 400 West then eastbound on Hamilton Street in Union Mills. The driver reduced his speed to 35 miles per hour before pulling up to his residence in the 800 block of East 2nd Street.
Michael Lucas, 31, stepped out from behind the steering wheel and was ordered to the ground, per the authorities. A computer records check revealed he’s designated as a habitual traffic violator with a lifetime suspension of his driver’s license. Lucas also had active warrants for his arrest out of La Porte and Tippecanoe counties.
After the officer detected an odor of alcohol on his breath, Lucas said he consumed “two shots” six hours ago. However, police noted an empty bottle of vodka was located in his vehicle behind the driver’s seat. He refused to submit to a certified blood alcohol test.
Prosecutors are still in the process of determining charges.
Lucas is being held in the La Porte County Jail without bond on the previous warrants.
