An Elkhart woman was arrested after Indiana State Police say she led troopers on a high-speed pursuit along Interstate 94 through Northwest Indiana.

According to ISP, the pursuit began around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, when Trooper Griffin spotted a black Toyota speeding eastbound on I-80 near the 10 mile-marker in Gary. Police say the vehicle was traveling 110 miles per hour in a 55 mile-per-hour zone near Lake Station before accelerating to as much as 133 miles per hour.

Trooper Griffin, driving a fully marked 2025 Ford Mustang patrol vehicle, activated emergency lights and sirens, but investigators say the driver sped away, turned off the vehicle’s lights, and continued eastbound on I-94 through Portage and Porter County.

Police say the Toyota weaved through traffic at speeds reaching 140 miles per hour before Porter Police officers deployed stop sticks near the 21 mile-marker. Even after striking the stop sticks, the vehicle continued until multiple tires failed near Chesterton.

Troopers conducted a felony stop and detained four occupants without incident. The driver was identified as 20-year-old Carmela Maureen Pantoja of Elkhart.

Investigators say a K9 alerted to the vehicle, where officers found alcohol containers and suspected marijuana. Troopers also reported signs of impairment. Police say Pantoja later tested .09% on a certified breath test at the Porter County Jail.

She faces several preliminary charges, including felony resisting law enforcement, operating while intoxicated, reckless driving, and possession of marijuana.

A passenger, 23-year-old Maliek Long of Elkhart, was also arrested on multiple outstanding warrants from Elkhart County.