Indiana Traffic: I-80 Chase Tops 100 MPH, Ends on I-94

Lake County, IN – A high-speed police pursuit that began on Interstate 80 in northwest Indiana crossed into Illinois early Thursday after a suspect allegedly rammed an Indiana State Police patrol vehicle, authorities said.

According to Indiana State Police, a detective spotted a gray Dodge sedan traveling west on I-80 near Kennedy Avenue around 12:55 a.m. Thursday. Police said same-direction radar recorded the vehicle traveling 92 mph in a posted 55 mph zone.

When the detective attempted a traffic stop, the driver allegedly accelerated, beginning a pursuit that exceeded 100 mph, police said. The vehicle exited at Calumet Avenue before returning to the interstate.

Authorities said another trooper joined the pursuit before the Dodge allegedly rammed his marked police vehicle near Calumet Avenue. The fleeing car later entered Interstate 294 and then I-94 in Illinois.

Police said the Dodge suffered a flat tire following the collision and later briefly entered a ditch near the 159th Street junction. A trooper then performed a PIT maneuver, disabling the vehicle.

Four occupants were detained. Police identified the alleged driver as Julian Casares, 19, of Hammond, and said Hector Hills-Montejano, 20, of Hammond, was a rear passenger. Troopers reported seeing two firearms inside the vehicle and said criminal-history checks indicated both men were prohibited from possessing firearms.

Casares and Hills-Montejano were taken to the Cook County Jail pending extradition proceedings, police said. The other two passengers were released without criminal charges.

Indiana State Police said potential charges will be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office for consideration, including aggravated battery, firearm offenses, resisting law enforcement, reckless driving and operating while intoxicated.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.