LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. – A routine traffic stop in Springfield Township led to the arrest of two men on Sunday afternoon, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities reported that a deputy clocked a GMC Terrain speeding east on County Road 800. The vehicle was subsequently pulled over, revealing a series of events that resulted in both the driver and passenger being taken into custody.
The driver, identified as 30-year-old Jalen M. Lewis, was found to have an active arrest warrant during a routine computer check. As deputies moved to detain Lewis, the situation escalated when his passenger, 18-year-old Halton M. Duke, exited the vehicle against the driver’s repeated pleas for him to stay inside.
Backup deputies arrived on the scene and instructed Duke to return to the passenger seat. However, Duke ignored multiple orders and responded to law enforcement with profanity, according to the report. Despite their efforts to de-escalate the situation, Duke continued to refuse compliance, leading to his arrest for resisting law enforcement.
Authorities stated that Duke’s resistance persisted during the arrest process.
Both men were transported to the La Porte County Jail. Lewis was booked on the outstanding warrant, while Duke faces charges for resisting law enforcement.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance during traffic stops to ensure the safety of all involved. Further details about the warrant or the charges against Lewis have not been disclosed.
Local authorities continue to encourage cooperation with law enforcement to prevent such incidents from escalating.
