A suspect has been arrested following a pursuit involving several individuals who reported being held inside a vehicle against their will.

It was around 1:20 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, when South Bend Police observed a vehicle disregarding multiple stop signs in the area of Linden Avenue and Kaley Street. Officers initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to stop, leading to a pursuit.

The suspect vehicle then traveled west on Linden, south to Mayflower Road, then entered the on-ramp west onto the Bypass.

As officers continued the pursuit, an individual inside the vehicle called 911, stating she was being held against her will.

The pursuit continued as the suspect vehicle entered and exited the Bypass several times before eventually exiting to head westbound on State Road 2. At one point, the suspect vehicle traveled at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

The suspect vehicle then performed a U-turn to head east onto State Road 2, at which time SBPD Officer Boutsomsy, who had attempted to set up stop sticks, was forced to get out of the way to avoid being struck.

The suspect vehicle then turned south onto Timothy Road before eventually running out of gas at Timothy and Gordon Roads.

At that time, officers were able to take the driver, Ryheeme McLeod, 19, into custody. Five other people, including three juveniles, were safely escorted from the vehicle.

No one was injured.

Through an investigation, officers learned the individuals inside the car all knew each other but did not wish to be inside the vehicle during the pursuit. They told officers they believed their only option would have been to jump from a fast-moving vehicle.

McLeod was arrested on several charges, including five counts of Criminal Confinement and Resisting Law Enforcement.