Michael Howie

A man from southern Indiana was arrested Saturday after a lengthy high-speed chase that began in LaPorte County and concluded with a PIT maneuver in Porter County where police also discovered drug paraphernalia in the suspect's car, according to a police report filed by the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office.

Jonathan Sanchez, 34, of Seymour, led local, county and state police down open county lanes and congested downtown roads until damage to his own car slowed him enough that an ISP officer could disable it and take Sanchez into custody.

At approximately 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Sanchez passed a LaPorte County officer driving more than twice the posted speed limit -- upwards of 60 mph on County Road 400 West in LaPorte County.

Police initially believed Sanchez matched the description of a wanted man whom officers had tried to make contact with in the 6900 block of County Road N. 400 West in LaPorte County less than an hour prior, according to the report.

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The chase continued down several county roads before Sanchez eventually made his way onto U.S. Highway 20 heading west into Michigan City, where there was light traffic. Sanchez hit an occupied car stopped at a traffic light at East Michigan Boulevard and Jackson Street, causing damage to both cars. A Michigan City Police Department officer was unsuccessful in disabling Sanchez's vehicle with stop sticks and the chase continued westbound on East Michigan Boulevard.

Sanchez hit a curb at the boulevard's intersection with Tryon Road, causing damage to his passenger-side front tire which would eventually fall off the car at Sheridan Avenue and U.S. Highway 12. The car -- somehow -- was still operable, and continued on U.S. 12 at approximately 60 mph.

Indiana State Police took the lead on the chase through the Town of Pines. Finally, an ISP trooper successfully carried out a PIT maneuver on Sanchez's car in the 3000 East block of U.S. 12, spinning his car around and causing it to crash "head on with a tree," bringing the chase to an end.

A PIT maneuver, which stands for Precision Immobilization Technique, is a pursuit tactic where a police vehicle intentionally hits the side of the fleeing vehicle, causing the driver to lose control and spin out.

Police quickly handcuffed Sanchez, who was complaining that he "broke his legs." EMS transported him to Franciscan Health in Michigan City for further examination after they found "a few small cuts on his knee."

Sanchez allegedly told EMS personnel he'd used Methamphetamines earlier in the day. Police found a glass pipe "with a small amount of burnt crystal substance inside," and also located a colorful smoking pipe with residue smelling of marijuana inside his car.

According to the report, the emergency room doctor treating Sanchez saw something on his CT scan that caused "further concern." Sanchez was released from police custody to be further cared for by hospital staff.

According to the report, police will be forwarding charging documentation to the LaPorte County Prosecutor's Office for resisting law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and reckless driving.

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Public safety reporter

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