A Union Mills woman faces a felony charge after initiating a pursuit with police that spanned two counties.
The incident started around 3:15 p.m. CT Tuesday afternoon when LaPorte County Sheriff’s Officers were notified of a vehicle involved in a hit and run and headed into the county from St. Joseph County. The vehicle driven by 56-year-old Kim Echterling failed to stop on State Road 2 at County Road 300 East after LaPorte County Captain Dave Pflughaupt attempted to end the pursuit. The vehicle continued into the City of LaPorte.
Captain Pflughaupt passed Echterling’s vehicle, and with the help of Deputy Andrew Hahn, they were able to box in the pickup at Lincolnway Avenue and Darrow Street. Echterling allegedly refused to leave the vehicle. She was forced out of the vehicle. The pickup was left in gear and Captain Pflughaupt attempted to enter the truck to stop its forward movement. As he entered the truck, it suddenly moved forward and knocked the officer to the ground. The pickup hit Pflughaupt’s squad car and both vehicles sustained minor damage.
Echterling was taken to IU Health LaPorte Hospital for various alcohol and drug tests. Once she is released, she will be booked into the LaPorte County Jail on one count of resisting law enforcement, a Level 6 felony. She may face additional charges from a hit and run accident in St. Joseph County.
