A Dodge Ram is shown after rolling into a sheriff’s vehicle on East Lincolnway Tuesday, May 19. (Sheriff’s office photo; click to enlarge)
LaPorte County Sheriff’s Captain Dave Pflughaupt sustained a knee injury Tuesday, May 19, 2015, during an action-filled pursuit incident that started in St. Joseph County and ended on LaPorte’s east side.
According to the sheriff’s department, it all started at about 3:15 p.m. when deputies were notified of a reckless driver traveling on Ind. 2 from St. Joseph County into LaPorte County. The driver’s red Dodge Ram truck had been involved in a hit and run in St. Joseph County.
Shortly after the dispatch, Pflughaupt spotted the truck traveling west on Ind. 2 at CR 300 East and began following it. At CR 150 East, just east of LaPorte city limits, Pflughaupt tried to make a traffic stop but the truck did not stop. Deputy Andrew Hahn joined in the chase at Fail Road as the vehicle continued at roughly 60 mph.
As the truck entered city limits in LaPorte, Pflughaupt, who was concerned about the chase heading downtown, passed the truck and boxed it in with Hahn’s assistance at Lincolnway and Darrow Street. The female driver of the truck had to be forcibly removed from the truck. The truck, which had been left in gear, began to roll forward and Pflughaupt tried to get into it. As he did the truck suddenly lurched forward, knocking him to the ground. The truck continued forward until it struck the rear of Pflughaupt’s squad car. Pflughaupt, a 29-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, was transported by LaPorte County EMS to IU Health LaPorte Hospital to be treated for a knee injury.
The truck’s driver was identified as Kim Echterling, 56, of Union Mills. She was transported to IU Health LaPorte Hospital to be medically cleared as well as to have a toxicology test for alcohol and narcotics. Once released from the hospital, she was to be taken to the LaPorte County Jail on one count of Resisting Law Enforcement, a level 6 felony. Sheriff’s officials are also consulting with St. Joseph County law enforcement to determine what charges may be pending in their jurisdiction.
“This serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of law enforcement that police officers face every day,” Sheriff John Boyd said. “Captain Pflughaupt is to be commended for his fast action as he recognized that the vehicle would have been heading off the road, across a sidewalk and into a nearby home; his quick thinking prevented further damage.”