STARKE COUNTY, IND. (WOWO) A man was taken into custody Sunday afternoon after allegedly leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed pursuit that began in Porter County and ended in Starke County. Authorities say the suspect was driving a vehicle reported stolen and reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour before being stopped.
The Lead Off
- A police pursuit spanning Porter and Starke counties ended with the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect Sunday afternoon.
- Officers initially attempted to stop a vehicle after determining its license plate was associated with a stolen vehicle.
- Stop sticks deployed by Starke County deputies helped bring the chase to an end on U.S. Highway 30.
Traffic stop leads to pursuit
According to authorities, Porter County officers attempted to stop a blue Nissan near 450 East and U.S. Highway 30 after identifying the vehicle as stolen through its license plate information.
Police said the driver, identified as 28-year-old Keon Starr, fled from the scene rather than stopping for officers.
The pursuit continued eastbound on U.S. Highway 30 from Porter County into neighboring Starke County according to WSBT.
Speeds reportedly reached 100 miles per hour
Law enforcement officials said Starr was believed to have been traveling at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour during the chase.
Authorities continued to monitor and pursue the vehicle as it traveled through multiple jurisdictions along the highway corridor.
No injuries or crashes were reported during the pursuit, according to information released by police.
Stop sticks deployed in Starke County
Starke County deputies assisted in the pursuit by deploying stop sticks at the intersection of U.S. Highway 30 and State Road 23.
Officials said the stop sticks successfully deflated the Nissan’s rear tires shortly before 3:30 p.m.
Despite the damaged tires, the vehicle continued for a short distance before eventually coming to a stop near 1100 East and U.S. Highway 30.
Suspect taken into custody
After the vehicle stopped, Starr was taken into custody by Porter County Police without further incident.
Authorities said he was arrested on felony charges of:
- Auto Theft
- Resisting Law Enforcement
Additional information regarding potential court appearances or further charges was not immediately released.
Investigation continues
Law enforcement agencies from multiple counties participated in the pursuit and arrest. Investigators have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the reported vehicle theft.
The case remains under investigation as authorities complete reports and submit evidence to prosecutors for review.
The Takeaway
Stolen vehicle report initiated police response
The pursuit began when Porter County officers identified a blue Nissan whose license plate indicated the vehicle had been reported stolen.
Multi-county chase crossed northern Indiana
The suspect allegedly fled eastbound on U.S. Highway 30, leading officers from Porter County into Starke County while reportedly reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
Felony charges filed following arrest
Keon Starr, 28, was taken into custody after stop sticks disabled the vehicle. He faces felony charges of auto theft and resisting law enforcement as the case moves through the criminal justice process.
