Motorcyclist killed in crash with state trooper in NW Indiana

PORTAGE, Ind. (Sun-Times Media) - A 28-year-old motorcyclist was killed when he crashed into the squad car of a state trooper who was making a U-turn on the Indiana Toll Road Friday night in Portage.

About 9:30 p.m., Michael M. Damore was on a BMW motorcycle going west on Interstate 90 just west of the Portage Toll Plaza when he drove into the passenger side of the marked squad car, according to Indiana State Police. The trooper at the wheel, Jathan Rose, performed chest compressions before paramedics arrived.

Damore, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to Portage Community Hospital, where he later died. He was from Highland, Indiana.

Police said his license had been suspended and that the motorcycle was not registered.

Westbound traffic was shut down for five hours as crews investigated and cleared the scene.