PORTAGE — A driver, who allegedly led police on a chaotic chase reaching speeds of more than 145 mph and threatening other drivers, was found to have more than a pound of marijuana in his possession, according to the Porter County Sheriff’s Department.
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The driver, identified as Darien Ethridge, 30, of Indianapolis, faces charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, resisting law enforcement, driving while suspended, possession of marijuana and reckless driving, police said.
A county officer said he attempted to stop Ethridge’s Dodge Charger around 11:51 p.m. Tuesday in the area of U.S. 20 and Ind. 249 when he headed east on Interstate 94.
Ethridge turned off his vehicle lights as he accelerated up to 140 mph before exiting on northbound Ind. 49 and then back west on I-94, police said.
Attempts by officers to stop the vehicle failed as Ethridge reportedly nearly struck other drivers, including police. He accelerated to more than 145 mph before heading north on Broadway in Gary where he stopped in the area of 17th Avenue and took off on foot before being apprehended by police.
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Police smelling marijuana in the vehicle searched and reportedly found just more than a pound of the illegal drug.
Ethridge was taken to the Porter County Jail where he appeared to remain in custody as of Wednesday morning.
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“}]] ttempts by officers to stop the vehicle failed as Ethridge reportedly nearly struck other drivers, including police. Read More
