Chicago woman charged after crash, police chase in NW Indiana
(Thomas Hawk/Flickr)
VALPARAISO, Ind. (STMW) - A Chicago woman has been charged with driving while intoxicated after a hit-and-run accident and high-speed police chase early Saturday in northwest Indiana.
Tracy Rutledge, 46, has been initially charged with operating while intoxicated, resisting arrest ans possession of marijuana; and ticketed for driving with a suspended license, according to a statement from the Porter County sheriff’s office.
At 12:36 a.m., sheriff’s officers assisted Merrillville police in pursuit of a blue 2008 Pontiac Vibe, driven by Rutledge, that had been involved in a hit-and-run crash, according to police.
Police chased Rutledge eastbound on U.S. 30 through Porter County and the Valparaiso city limits. During the chase, Rutledge was driving over 100 mph, according to police.
Two Porter County squad cars were hit during the crash, but no officers were injured, police said.
Rutledge’s car eventually hit stop sticks deployed by Valparaiso police and was taken into custody by Porter County officers on U.S. 30 near the Federal Credit Union, according to police.
She was taken to Valparaiso Medical Center for a blood test and medical treatment.
Additional charges are pending in Lake County.