MONROE COUNTY, Ind. — A man was injured during a police chase and subsequent crash in Monroe County.
According to a press release from Indiana State Police, a 20-year-old from Portage attempted to evade a trooper on Interstate 69 northbound Thursday night. Troopers were attempting to conduct a traffic stop with the man because the red 2010 Lexus he was driving had an expired plate.
During the chase, the man reached speeds exceeding 100 mph. The pursuit ended when the man lost control of the car he was driving and struck a guardrail.
After the Lexus struck the guard rail, it became airborne and came to rest at the bottom of an embankment located approximately 150 feet from the roadway. Three troopers helped the man exit the vehicle and get to the top of the embankment.
During their investigation of the incident, police smelled a strong odor believed to be alcohol. As of Saturday evening, police were trying to determine whether or not the Portage man was operating the Lexus while he was intoxicated.
The man was transported to Indiana University Health in Bloomington after the crash. ISP did not provide an update on his medical condition.
Investigators also did not clarify whether or not the Portage man will be charged for his alleged role in the chase. In compliance with company policy, FOX59 and CBS4 will not name the Portage man until he has at least been preliminarily charged.
