ISP trooper injured arresting felon on I-94

PORTER CO. – On Wednesday, at approximately 10:30 a.m., an Indiana State Police Senior trooperstopped a black 2008 Ford Explorer for a moving violation on I-94 westbound near the 28 mile-marker in Porter County. 

This is 2 miles east of the State Road 49 exit to Chesterton. 

The driver was identified as 29-year-old Kyle T. Wright, from Indianapolis.

 During the traffic stop, Trooper Potesta learned that Wright was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant issued through Marion County. 

Trooper Potesta attempted to place Wright under arrest and placed a handcuff on Wright’s wrist when Wright resisted, resulting in a physical altercation on the side of the highway. 

Trooper Potesta gave loud, verbal, lawful commands for Wright to stop resisting while holding onto the one handcuff.  During the struggle, Wright attempted to reach for Trooper Potesta’s holstered handgun. 

Wright ripped Trooper Potesta’s portable radio mic from his uniform.  Trooper Potesta was able to maintain the security of his weapon while wrestling Wright to the ground. 

After initially appearing to surrender, Wright again resisted arrest and attempted to escape from the officer.  Trooper Potesta was able to regain control and finish handcuffing Wright. 

Additional police officers arrived and checked the trooper and suspect for injuries.  A search of the Ford Explorer revealed a loaded Taurus 9MM handgun with an extended magazine as well as marijuana.  The handgun had been reported as stolen in Hendricks County. 

After being medically cleared, Wright was transported to the Porter County Jail where he now faces multiple charges and a hold for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. 

During the altercation, Trooper Potesta sustained an injury to his right hand and some superficial cuts to his left hand.  His uniform and several pieces of his equipment were damaged beyond repair. 

Trooper Potesta was treated at Northwest Health Porter and released.  Further medical tests are necessary to determine the severity of his injuries, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

Wright faces the following pending charges:

• Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm- Level 4 Felony.
• Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer- Level 5 Felony.
• Possession of a Stolen Firearm- Level 6 Felony.
• Battery on Law Enforcement Causing Injury- Level 6 Felony.
• Possession of a Handgun Without a Permit- Class A Misdemeanor.
• Resisting Law Enforcement- Class A Misdemeanor.
• Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor.

Additional charges may be considered and/or amended by the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Assisting at the scene were ISP troopers from the Lowell Post, officers from the Portage Police Department, officers from the Valparaiso Police Department.  The vehicle was impounded.