(La Porte County, IN) - A high speed chase in the La Porte area ended with a crash and arrest of the suspect two hours later.

 

La Porte County Police identified the suspect as 36 year old Derek Harrison.

 

About 7:30 yesterday morning, police said the La Porte man was pulled over at McClung Road and Park St. for allegedly driving a stolen vehicle, but soon sped away.

 

The pursuit went north on 100 West, east on 450 North and south on Range Road before heading east on 400 North and into a field. Police said the pursuit veered back to Range Road and across all lanes of U.S. 20 before Harrison struck a utility pole at that intersection.

 

Harrison, who displayed what appeared to be a handgun, remained in the disabled vehicle for about two hours until he was arrested while negotiators attempted to safely resolve the situation, police said.

 

The westbound lanes of U.S. 20 were closed at that location as a safety precaution while officers worked the scene.  

 

Police said Harrison was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The weapon he allegedly displayed turned out to be a BB gun.