Halloween night kept Indiana State Police troopers in Lowell on high alert as they responded to multiple stolen vehicle incidents, pursuits, and crashes across Northwest Indiana.

The busy night began at about 9:30 p.m. when a stolen silver Nissan Versa was located near 25th Avenue and Clark Road in Gary. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, sparking a chase north on Clark Road. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed on 15th Avenue, and both occupants fled on foot. Despite a search, the suspects were not found. The vehicle was impounded and the investigation continues.

Just a few hours later, at around 1:20 a.m. Saturday, troopers responded to a crash on I-65 near Ridge Road. A white Hyundai SUV had collided with a semi truck before striking the median wall. When troopers arrived, the driver had already fled. It was later discovered that the Hyundai had been reported stolen from Merrillville less than half an hour before the crash. Merrillville Police are investigating the theft.

Later that same night, another stolen vehicle was spotted traveling eastbound on I-94 near Portage. Officers followed the vehicle to the Chesterton exit, where the driver again refused to stop. The pursuit continued into LaPorte County and ended when the vehicle crashed into a guardrail near the South Bend/LaPorte exit. Four occupants were taken into custody, including two juveniles who were later released to their guardians after being treated for minor injuries.

The driver, 18-year-old James Johnson of South Bend, was taken to the Porter County Jail. He faces several charges, including two counts of resisting law enforcement, auto theft, and reckless driving. Another adult passenger, 18-year-old Tyler L. Sykes, also of South Bend, was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle and possession of marijuana.