(Porter County, IN) - A police chase involving a carjacking suspect ended with a crash near Michigan City Friday night.

 

Shortly before 7:30 p.m. police learned of an armed carjacking in New Chicago. After reportedly shooting the vehicle’s owner, the suspect had fled eastbound on U.S. 20. Thanks to a LPR camera (License Plate Reader), officers located the car near State Road 49 and initiated pursuit.

 

As the chase approached the La Porte County line, police said the suspect was driving in excess of 120 mph. Unable to navigate the curve just east of Railroad Ave., the driver lost control and crashed into a wooded area. The Porter Police Department released the following description from the scene of the crash:

 

"The suspect was partially ejected through the windshield and asked officers for help. After being removed from the vehicle and placed into custody, officers began assessing and treating the suspect for injuries. He sustained minor injuries from the crash but was transported to a hospital for further evaluation.”

 

According to police, the 17-year-old suspect had just been released from custody in Illinois for a similar armed carjacking incident. He is reportedly being held at the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center, charged with Resisting Law Enforcement, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Never Receiving a License, and two other traffic citations.