High-speed pursuits in two incidents result in multiple felony charges

FORT WAYNE, IND. (WOWO) Two separate police pursuits over the weekend involving Indiana State Police troopers resulted in the arrests of two drivers, according to officials.

The Lead Off

• Two weekend pursuits in northern Indiana and Fort Wayne ended with arrests of both drivers
• One chase crossed from Michigan into Indiana before ending in Steuben County after multiple crashes
• A second pursuit in Fort Wayne ended after stop sticks were deployed and a suspect fled on foot

Michigan-to-Indiana pursuit ends in Steuben County

Indiana State Police say the first pursuit began in Michigan on Saturday, May 16, shortly after 11:45 p.m., when the Branch County Sheriff’s Department reported a white Mercury Mountaineer fleeing law enforcement toward Indiana.

Troopers in the area overheard radio traffic and joined coordination efforts as the pursuit entered Indiana.

During the chase, officials say the vehicle struck a metal garbage container, which was then pushed into another vehicle, causing additional damage.

The pursuit ended near Fremont in Steuben County in the 3000 block of County Road 700 North after the vehicle crashed again.

The driver, identified as Jefferson Ridgway, 21, of Coldwater, Michigan, was arrested and taken to the Steuben County Jail.

He faces the following preliminary charges:

• Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle – Level 6 felony
• Possession of a controlled substance – Class A misdemeanor
• Leaving the scene of a property damage crash – Class C misdemeanor

Fort Wayne pursuit ends after stop sticks deployed

A second pursuit occurred early Sunday, May 17, in Fort Wayne just before 2 a.m., according to Indiana State Police.

A trooper observed a black 2003 Nissan Murano weaving in and out of lanes near Jefferson Boulevard and Freeman Street before initiating a traffic stop near Jefferson Boulevard and Main Street.

Police say the driver failed to stop, leading officers on a pursuit through city streets.

Fort Wayne Police Department assisted in the chase and deployed stop sticks near Pontiac Street and Lafayette Street, which deflated the vehicle’s tires.

The vehicle eventually came to a stop near Creighton Street and Barr Street. The driver then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers.

The driver, identified as David Garcia, 27, of Fort Wayne, was arrested and transported to the Allen County Jail.

He faces multiple preliminary charges, including:

• Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle – Level 6 felony
• Resisting law enforcement – Class A misdemeanor
• Operating while intoxicated with endangerment – Class A misdemeanor
• Operating while intoxicated – Class C misdemeanor
• Operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license – Class C misdemeanor

Agencies emphasize joint response

Indiana State Police said both incidents highlight coordinated efforts between agencies.

“Law enforcement works best when we stand together,” the agency said in a statement. “The Indiana State Police is committed to assisting our partner agencies whenever they call, and we are equally grateful for their support when we need it.”

Officials noted that all charges are allegations and that both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The Takeaway

• Two separate weekend pursuits in Indiana resulted in arrests after coordinated responses between Indiana State Police, Michigan authorities, and local agencies in Fort Wayne and Steuben County.
• One pursuit began in Michigan and ended after multiple crashes in Fremont, Indiana, leading to the arrest of a 21-year-old driver on felony and misdemeanor charges.
• A second Fort Wayne chase ended after stop sticks disabled the suspect vehicle, and the driver was arrested following a brief foot pursuit and faces multiple OWI and resisting law enforcement charges.

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