Three people were arrested following a traffic stop and eventual pursuit in North Judson Monday, December 16.
Officers with the North Judson Police Department conducted a traffic stop at 1:40 p.m. CT in the area of 809 Talmer Avenue. A K9 was requested and a Starke County Sheriff’s Office K9 deputy arrived at the scene. While the deputy was retrieving his K9 partner Mack, North Judson officers instructed occupants of the vehicle to exit.
Police say it was at that time when the driver put the vehicle into gear and quickly took off and fled the scene, nearly striking a North Judson officer and Starke County deputy. The vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed traveling westbound. Pursuing officers observed smoke coming from the vehicle and the vehicle began to slow its pace.
The vehicle pulled into a field near 600 W. and State Road 10. The driver, 30-year-old Randal Mareska Jr., of North Judson, exited the vehicle and ran north into the woods, according to the report. A Starke County deputy followed the vehicle into the field and gave K9 announcements over the vehicle’s PA system.
Mareska turned around and placed his hands in the air. Police say he tripped while walking backwards away from officers and fell. Officers then approached and took Mareska into custody.
K9 Mack was deployed for a free air sniff of the vehicle. K9 Mack positively alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Suspected methamphetamine/fentanyl and other paraphernalia were located, according to the report.
Mareska and his two passengers, 36-year-old Jessica Castillo, of North Judson, and 34-year-old Jacob Morgan, of North Judson, were taken into custody and transported to the Starke County Justice Center.
Morgan allegedly provided a false identity, but his real identity was later confirmed and it was discovered that he was wanted on active warrants.
Formal charges will be determined by the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
