La Porte County, IN (February 26, 2025) – A high-speed police pursuit on Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) ended in a violent crash on Tuesday afternoon, leaving multiple people injured.
According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), a deputy attempted to stop a black Jeep SUV near the 42-mile marker after observing it following a commercial vehicle too closely. Initially appearing to comply, the driver suddenly accelerated, initiating a pursuit that continued westbound.
During the chase, an occupant of the SUV threw a baggie from the vehicle near the 34-mile marker. Law enforcement attempted to deploy tire deflation devices at the 31-mile marker, but the suspect maneuvered around them. The chase escalated when the driver conducted a U-turn near the Portage Toll Barrier and began fleeing eastbound.
The suspect eventually exited the toll road at the 39-mile marker and continued south on U.S. 421 before losing control in the 2000 south block. The vehicle veered off the roadway, crashed, and rolled multiple times before coming to a stop.
The driver, later identified as 42-year-old Kleve Panayoty of Brooklyn, New York, fled the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended by authorities. Two passengers were trapped in the wreckage and required emergency medical attention. Both were transported by ground to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. Panayoty was also taken to a hospital for medical clearance.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, including the suspected discarded evidence and the driver’s motives for fleeing. Our thoughts are with those injured in this accident, and we hope for a full recovery.
High-Speed Chases and Crash Risks in Indiana
Police pursuits, such as the one on the Indiana Toll Road, present a significant risk to drivers, passengers, and bystanders. The dangers of high-speed chases are well-documented, with many resulting in rollover crashes, severe injuries, or fatalities.
According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, police chases are involved in a rising number of crashes each year, often linked to reckless driving, stolen vehicles, or illegal substances. When suspects attempt to evade law enforcement at high speeds, the risk of losing control increases, particularly on interstate highways and rural roads.
Drivers are reminded that fleeing from law enforcement is a criminal offense that can lead to severe legal consequences. Pulling over when signaled by police is always the safest course of action for both motorists and the public.
For those injured in accidents involving police chases, navigating legal and medical challenges can be overwhelming. If you or someone you know has been affected by a high-speed crash, assistance is available. For more information or to receive help, contact Local Accident Reports.