A 22-year-old driver from Gary, Indiana, identified as Desmond Shuler, was involved in a high-speed chase reaching speeds of up to 100 mph before crashing into a children’s playground in Portage, Porter County. The incident began when police were alerted by a license plate detection system about a black Nissan with fake plates that had been involved in a pursuit with Gary police. After a county officer pulled over the vehicle and directed the driver to roll down the tinted window, the driver accelerated, leading to a pursuit. During the chase, Shuler hit a tree, drove into a home’s backyard and narrowly missed striking a police officer.
Shuler continued to drive at high speeds through Lake Station and finally crashed in Gary. The crash caused damage to a fence, a park bench, and playground equipment. When authorities approached the vehicle, they found Shuler wearing a ski mask and the vehicle’s airbags deployed. They had to use a stun gun to subdue Shuler and remove him from the vehicle.
Desmond Shuler now faces several felony charges including resisting law enforcement and vehicle theft, as well as misdemeanor charges including possession of marijuana and reckless driving. It was later discovered that the vehicle had been stolen in Chicago.
Shuler admitted to police that he fled because he believed he had outstanding arrest warrants. He also revealed that he had traveled to Portage to purchase marijuana. Police found nearly an ounce of the drug in Shuler’s possession.
This harrowing incident highlights the dangers of high-speed pursuits and the risks involved for both law enforcement officers and innocent bystanders. Thankfully, no one was injured during the chase or as a result of Shuler’s reckless driving. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the need for increased community outreach and education to address drug-related issues.
Porter County law enforcement agencies are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of their communities, and they will continue to pursue legal action against those who threaten public safety through reckless and criminal behavior.
