Traffic stop leads to foot pursuit, two arrests

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) Two men were arrested by Kosciusko County officers on Saturday after a traffic stop escalated to a foot pursuit.

A Koscuisko County Sheriff's Deputy was on patrol on Saturday morning and noticed a car driving without its headlights on around U.S. 30 and Parker St. The deputy attempted to pull over the car near a gas station at U.S. 30 and Old Road 30.

After slowing, the car sped up and drove into the parking lot of a nearby grocery store where the driver and passenger got out of the car and ran.

State, county, local officers and two canine unites arrived to search the area. The driver, Xavier Smith, 22, of Merrillville, was found near a neighboring mobile home park and arrested. 

The passenger Jonathan Terrel Willis, 23, of Gary, hiding under a cardboard box behind the Big R. 

Officers also found about .28 grams of marijuana, measuring scales and baggies inside the car as it was being impounded.

Smith was preliminarily charged with felony possession and dealing marijuana, fleeing law enforcement and driving while suspended.  Smith also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest through Lake County on the charge of receiving stolen property. 

Willis was preliminarily charged with felony possession of marijuana, dealing marijuana, and fleeing law enforcement. 

Both Smith and Willis are being held at the Kosciusko County Jail on $2000 bonds.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Warsaw Police Department, Winona Lake Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office.