Northwest Indiana- This morning (7/7/2021) at 8:57 a.m., Senior Trooper Anthony Potesta stopped a silver 2012 Ford Focus on I-94 eastbound lanes at the 40 mile-marker. The vehicle was stopped for several traffic offenses including speeding in a construction zone with workers present and following too closely.
During the traffic stop, Trooper Potesta learned that the driver had active warrants through LaPorte County for Aggravated Assault – Family Strongarm. The warrant included offenses for Felony Domestic Battery as well as Felony Strangulation. As Trooper Potesta attempted to place the driver into custody, the driver refused to exit the vehicle and fled.
The driver exited I-94 at the 40 mile-marker before getting back onto I-94 and heading westbound. During the pursuit, the driver was able to avoid stop sticks that officers were attempting to use to stop the vehicle. The driver continued to the 18.5 mile-marker where it rear-ended a semi that was also traveling westbound. As a result of this collision, the driver was ejected from the Ford.
The driver of the Ford sustained severe injuries as a result of the crash and was flown by UCAN to the University of Chicago Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The driver has been identified as Vernell F. Muhammad, 22, from Chicago, IL. Family has been notified. The driver of the semi was not injured.
The westbound lanes of I-94 were closed for approximately 2 hours for crash reconstruction. Assisting at the scene was the Burns Harbor Police Department, Portage Police Department, Lake County Aviation Section, Portage Fire Department, Indiana Department of Transportation and WAFFCO Towing.