Police are looking for a man who led officers on a high-speed chase through two counties Friday evening. Deputies with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office say it began around 8:15, when they spotted a speeding vehicle traveling east on U.S. 20 near State Road 39. A deputy pulled over the driver near Range Road.
The driver reportedly gave the deputy a false identity, then suddenly fled the traffic stop. From there, the driver, identified as James Wright, 53, led officers on a chase reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour. Officers say Wright was avoided stop sticks placed at County Road 450 East and then continued east on State Road 2. Wright’s vehicle reportedly hit another set of stop sticks near Rice Road, before coming to a stop west of Quince Road.
At that point, police say Wright fled on foot into a wooded area. A South Bend Police K-9 was brought in to assist, but officers believe Wright was picked up by an accomplice.
Wright is wanted on outstanding warrants for vehicle theft and probation violation in Virginia, according to the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. Police believe Wright is living in South Bend. Anyone with information is asked to contact local police.
