A Wednesday afternoon attempt by Knox Police to stop the driver of a stolen car turned into a high-speed chase and a manhunt. Officers tried to stop a black Honda Civic, driven by 27-year-old Daniel Allen of Winamac in the Water Street area, but he refused to cooperate.
Allen reportedly damaged property when he fled westbound behind the residence, according to the incident report. Knox Police lost site of the car but shared its description with other law enforcement agencies.
A short time later a Starke County officer saw the Civic speeding on County Road 50 South, just east of County Road 100 West. The officer tried unsuccessfully to stop the car, and a second pursuit ensued.
Officers chased the car about 10 miles until the driver stopped near 10 Mile Road in the Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Preserve, fled on foot and swam across a large irrigation ditch.
Officers from Starke County, Knox, Hamlet, North Judson, Indiana State Police and the DNR secured a perimeter and deployed Starke County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Zardos. He tracked the suspect and found him on the other side of a large irrigation ditch where he was arrested.
Allen faces charges of auto theft, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, resisting law enforcement, reckless driving and criminal mischief. He was taken to IU Health Starke Hospital for medical treatment before being booked into the Starke County Jail.
