(La Porte, IN) - A rifle was used to fire gunshots from a vehicle moments before a collision that critically injured a woman in another vehicle in La Porte.

 

Scott Gembala, 18, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with intimidation and criminal recklessness, both Level 5 felonies, and second count of criminal recklessness as a Level 6 felony.

 

Police said the investigation shows he was a passenger in a parked vehicle wearing a ski mask when he fired a shot at four juveniles on foot Sunday on Ridgeway St.  One of the juveniles was dating Gembala’s ex-girlfriend, police said.

 

Police said the vehicle occupied by Gembala fled and was being followed by another motorist concerned about the reckless manner in which the vehicle was being driven.  Gembala allegedly fired several rounds at the vehicle behind him, damaging the windshield and hood on the vehicle following him.

 

A short time later, the vehicle Gembala was in broadsided a Ford Fusion at Scott and Ohio streets.  Gembala fled on foot but was later captured at Maple Tree Apartments on the city’s west side, police said.

 

Police said a rifle was recovered from where Gembala was seated in the vehicle, which was driven by a 17 year old boy.  The seriously injured woman was taken to the hospital for treatment.

 

So far, the names of both drivers have not been released due to the ongoing investigation.