Slow-motion police chase ends with West Chicago man’s arrest

Indiana State Police
A West Chicago man was arrested after leading Indiana State Police on a slow-speed pursuit. Photo credit Indiana State Police

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Charges are being tallied up for a West Chicago man who led police on an unusual pursuit Wednesday afternoon in northwest Indiana.

The initial call to police was for a Chevrolet pickup with Illinois plates. It was going 5 mph in the right lane on southbound Interstate 65 near Lowell.

A trooper spotted the truck and tried to pull it over. Indiana State Police said the driver nearly hit pedestrians and a semi-truck that was disabled on the shoulder. Authorities said the driver sped away — at about 10 mph — and led police on a very slow-speed pursuit.

Troopers deployed stop sticks. They said the driver intentionally swerved toward them and continued on with a deflated front tire.

More stop sticks were deployed. Again, policesaid, the driver intentionally swerved toward a trooper, started ramming police vehicles and even drove northbound on the southbound lanes before being forced onto a grassy ditch.

Three state police cars were damaged, as was one sheriff’s vehicle, before the pickup became disabled.

A police K-9 was set loose before the man was arrested.

Thomas J. Sanhamel, a 45-year-old from West Chicago, was treated for minor injuries and is locked up in the Lake County Jail.

Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!

Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured Image Photo Credit: Indiana State Police