A Michigan City man was arrested early Sunday morning following a pursuit with La Porte County Police.
Police say 38-year-old Donald G. Helms was driving slowly and left of center in the 10,000 north block of U.S. 12. La Porte County Sheriff’s Department Captain Andy Hynek attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop. A pursuit reportedly began that continued through Michigan and Springfield Townships.
Helms’ vehicle went off the roadway at the intersection of County Roads 400 West and 800 North. According to the report, Helms backed up the vehicle and rammed into the officer’s patrol car. He drove away from the area, but reportedly drove over stop sticks deployed by the Michigan City Police Department at Royal Road and Warnke Road.
The vehicle stopped in Michigan City when the Helms allegedly started to flee on foot. Deputy Andrew Hahn and K9 Miko chased after Helms. K9 Miko was able to detain Helms who proceeded to strike K9 Miko. The K9 bit Helms in both legs. To protect and prevent any possible further injury to K9 Miko, police say Deputy Hahn deployed his taser in order to take Helms into custody.
Following treatment at the hospital, Helms was transported to the La Porte County Jail where he is being held without bond on an active warrant for failure to appear in court, plus felony charges of resisting law enforcement, criminal recklessness, and possession of methamphetamine. He also faces preliminary misdemeanor charges of aggressive driving, resisting law enforcement, striking/interfering with a law enforcement animal, reckless driving, and operating while never licensed.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department was assisted Captain Derek J. Allen, Deputy Slawek Czupryna, the Michigan City Police Department, Trail Creek Police Department, Long Beach Police Department and La Porte County EMS.
Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
