This morning at approximately 7:00 a.m., the Lowell Regional Dispatch Center began receiving 911 reports of a reckless driver north bound on I-65 in Jasper County. The vehicle was described as a black 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.
The vehicle was reported to be driving in and out of traffic and at a high rate of speed. At 7:15 a.m., a 911 caller reported the same vehicle was approaching exit 240. This is the exit to the Lowell State Police Post. Lieutenant Terry Gose was at the Lowell Post, heard the dispatch and proceeded to drive to the interstate. As he did so, the dispatch center received a call from ON-STAR who was calling to report that they had a customer report their vehicle stolen and it matched the description of the reckless driving vehicle on I-65. Lt. Gose observed the suspect vehicle pass exit 240 at which point he proceeded to enter I-65 and follow the vehicle north through the construction zone. Lt. Gose believed that the driver observed him following the suspect vehicle as it was making several passes of vehicles and was driving in and out of traffic. A traffic stop was not initiated until the vehicle cleared all construction at exit 247. This is the Crown Point exit. Once the traffic stop was initiated, the driver sped off and a pursuit began. The vehicle reached speeds of 80+ miles per hour. As the vehicle approached exit 249, Troopers were advised that On-Star could remotely disable the vehicle. The dispatch center then made that request of On-Star and within 30 seconds, the suspect vehicle was disabled and the vehicle slowed to a safe stop on the right shoulder. Three suspects were taken into custody without further incident.
It was later learned that the victim, who resides in Indianapolis, had started her vehicle and left it running to warm up. She went back into her residence when she heard the vehicle being driven from her residence and subsequently reported it stolen. The driver of the vehicle, Wendell Scruggs, 20, of Indianapolis, IN was charged with auto theft, resisting arrest with a motor vehicle and driving while suspended. A passenger, Marcellus Dolomon, 18, of East Chicago, IN, was charged with auto theft. A juvenile from Indianapolis that was a passenger was not charged and released to his parents. Both suspects were incarcerated at the Lake County Jail.
The assistance given by On-Star was instrumental in bringing this situation to a quick and safe conclusion. The 911 callers who reported the erratic driving were also very helpful in bringing this driver/vehicle to the attention of law enforcement. The Lake County Sheriff's Department also assisted with the pursuit. The vehicle was towed to Samson's Towing.
The Indiana State Police would like to encourage motorists to always call 911 when any erratic or dangerous driving is observed.
*All suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law*