According to the report, on Saturday, Dec. 28 at around 6:33 p.m., LaPorte police responded to the area of Maple Tree Apartments at 1405 W. 18th St. in response to a request from Michigan City Police to be on the lookout for a red Dodge pickup truck that was involved in a hit-and-run accident in their area.
While police were checking the parking lot, they saw a red Dodge pickup truck entering. Police activated their emergency lights to stop the vehicle and identify the driver. As they did so, they observed Thomas McAlpine, 45 of LaPorte, quickly exit the driver’s door of the vehicle and begin walking away from the vehicle at a fast pace.
McAlpine was ordered to stop twice, but he reportedly attempted to enter an apartment in building #9. As police caught up with him, he allegedly tried opening the door with one hand while pushing officers back with the other. A short struggle ensued and McAlpine was taken into custody.
In checking McAlpine’s license status, he was found to be suspended as a habitual traffic violator. Police also observed an unmarked bottle of pills laying inside McAlpine’s truck.
After subsequent investigation, McAlpine was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving While Adjudged a Habitual Traffic Violator and Operating While Intoxicated, all Class D felonies. He’s also charged with Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor, and Operating While Intoxicated, a Class C misdemeanor.
He also faces charges with Michigan City Police in relation to the hit-and-run accident.
