A dramatic series of events unfolded when a LaPorte County Highway Deputy spotted a black Jeep SUV tailgating a commercial vehicle on the Indiana Toll Road near the 52-mile marker.

It happened just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver accelerated and fled westbound, prompting a motor vehicle pursuit. During the chase, which continued along the Toll Road, an occupant of the SUV discarded a baggie near the 34-mile marker.

The vehicle evaded tire deflation devices set up at the 31-mile marker but later conducted a U-turn just west of the Portage Toll Barrier and fled eastbound. At the 39-mile marker, the driver left the Toll Road, continuing south on US 421.

In the 2000 block, the SUV left the roadway, crashed, and rolled several times. The driver fled on foot but was apprehended shortly after. Two injured passengers were removed from the vehicle and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The driver was identified as Kleve Panayoty, 42, from Brooklyn, New York. After receiving medical clearance at a local hospital, he was taken to the LaPorte County Jail. Panayoty faces multiple charges, including resisting law enforcement and leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injury, as well as operating a vehicle without a license.