A man fled from a traffic stop in La Porte County Saturday, August 31 and the pursuit ended with the suspect crashing into a residence.
Police say a passenger vehicle traveling on “J” Street near 5th Street with only one headlight illuminated and the driver of the vehicle began changing lanes without signaling and proceeded to move back into the westbound lane of State Road 2.
A traffic stop was initiated in the 2200 west block of State Road 2. As the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office deputy approached the vehicle, its brake lights illuminated, and the vehicle began to rapidly accelerate away traveling west on State Road 2, according to the report.
The deputy returned to his vehicle and a motor vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit traveled east on 18th Street, south on State Road 39, and east onto County Road 400 South.
At the intersection of U.S. 35 and County Road 400 South, the fleeing vehicle failed to negotiate the T-intersection and traveled east across all lanes of U.S. 35. The vehicle continued traveling east onto private property located in the 3900 south block of U.S. 35. The fleeing vehicle collided with a parked sport utility vehicle and the front of a residence before coming to rest.
The driver and lone occupant, later identified as Alex B. DeKock, exited the vehicle. The deputy began giving DeKock commands, which he had difficulty following. At one point, DeKock fell to the ground. After he returned to his feet, he was taken into custody.
He refused medical treatment at the scene. An adult female located inside the residence sustained a lower body injury from the vehicle crashing into the residence. The SUV and residence sustained significant damage from the crash.
DeKock was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance. He was later cleared and transported to the La Porte County Jail where he was booked on preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, operating while intoxicated, and reckless driving. He was later released on bond.
Formal charges will be determined by the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
