News Release
HAMMOND — A teenager led Indiana State Police on a lengthy high-speed chase Sunday night on I-80 that reached speeds of 145 mph.
State Police said the incident began around 10 p.m. and that the pursuit began in Gary and concluded in Hammond.
It began after a trooper observed a black Audi approaching his vehicle from behind at a high rate of speed. Radar confirmed the vehicle was traveling 91 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. The Audi then passed the trooper’s semi‑marked Ford Mustang police vehicle and continued to accelerate, making abrupt lane changes.
According to an ISP news release:
“Trooper Griffin attempted to catch up to the vehicle, pacing it at 93 mph before the driver rapidly accelerated to approximately 130 mph. When the trooper activated emergency lights, the driver briefly slowed before fleeing westbound. Emergency sirens were activated as the vehicle continued westbound on I‑80 at speeds reaching 145 mph.”
Another trooper was able to position themselves ahead of the fleeing vehicle. near Kennedy Avenue. The Audi voluntarily came to a stop near Indianapolis Boulevard, where troopers conducted a felony stop.
The driver, identified as Damian Arzabek, 18, from Oswego, Ill., was taken into custody and later taken to the Lake County Jail.
The following charges have been submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration:
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
- Reckless Driving – Class C Misdemeanor
