LAKE COUNTY – On Friday, April 10th, at approximately 5:55 p.m., an Indiana State Trooper observed a sport motorcycle traveling at 95 mph in a posted 55 mph construction zone on I‑80 eastbound near the 8.7 mile-marker, which is near the Grant St. exit.
The trooper attempted to stop the motorcycle; however, the driver accelerated to speeds estimated at over 130 mph, made multiple unsafe lane changes, and placed several motorists in danger.
Due to heavy traffic ahead, the trooper terminated the pursuit approximately 10 seconds after initiation.
Shortly after, Indiana State Police dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting a motorcycle crash near the 13-mile marker (Central Ave.). The trooper arrived and located the same motorcycle and driver involved in the earlier attempted traffic stop.
The driver, identified as Agustin Flores, 21, of Hammond, Indiana, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Saint Anthony’s Hospital and later transferred out of state for further treatment.
Witnesses reported the motorcycle traveling at extremely high speeds and weaving in traffic moments before the motorcycle struck the rear of a white Ford F‑150, ejecting the motorcyclist from his motorcycle.
The driver of the Ford, Adalberto Velasco, 43, from Elkhart, Indiana, was not injured. Further investigation revealed that Velasco had never been issued a driver’s license, and he was arrested for operating a vehicle without a license. The motorcycle’s temporary Indiana license plate had expired and was not returned to any registration. The motorcycle’s VIN could not be immediately verified and will require follow‑up examination by a VIN specialist.
The following charges have been submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review: resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, a Level 6 felony; criminal recklessness, a Class A misdemeanor; and reckless driving causing property damage, a Class B misdemeanor.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
