Gary, IND. –On December 3, 2024, Merrillville Police Officers were dispatched to 1355 E. 83rd Avenue (Extended Stay of America) for a report of an auto theft. Shortly after receiving the call, Merrillville patrol officers located the stolen vehicle traveling northbound in the 9200 block of Broadway and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to pull over and led officers on a pursuit. Officers chased the vehicle north, on Interstate 65, and onto the Indiana Toll Road. At one point during the pursuit, the vehicle exited the Toll Road at Broadway and then re-entered the toll road traveling westbound, in the eastbound lanes. This created an imminent threat to other vehicles on the roadway and Merrillville officers made the decision to disable the fleeing vehicle before it could crash into civilian motorists. As a result, three Merrillville officers were injured, and several Merrillville police vehicles were damaged. The suspect, along with the three injured officers were transported to local hospitals, where they are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

This incident serves as just the latest example of how Region law enforcement officers routinely put themselves in danger to protect the public.

The Merrillville Police Department would like to thank the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the Gary Police Department, and the Gary Fire Department for their assistance

Commander Derek N. Diehl

Criminal Investigations Division

Merrillville Police Department

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