HAMMOND – On Friday, September 11, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m, an Indiana State Police Troopers were dispatched to the 1.9-mile-marker on I‑80 eastbound in Hammond regarding a report of a male subject attacking a semi‑tractor with an axe. This location is near the Calumet Ave. overpass.
Upon arrival, the troopers located a 2025 Freightliner tractor‑trailer parked on the inside shoulder. The driver stated that she had observed a black 2011 Volkswagen with Illinois registration driving erratically, brake‑checking and cutting off other semis while traveling eastbound. She reported that the vehicle stopped in lane 2 directly in front of her, forcing her to brake to a complete stop. The victim stated that a white male exited the Volkswagen, not wearing shoes, appeared irate, and yelled incoherently. She reported that the male reversed his vehicle, nearly striking her truck, then exited again, brandishing a long‑handled axe with a leather blade cover. The male struck her grill, puncturing the radiator, and struck the driver‑side headlight. The victim further stated the male began approaching her driver’s door; however, her large dog began to bark loudly inside the cab, prompting the suspect to return to his vehicle and flee the scene.
At approximately 4:49 PM, dispatch received a second 911 call reporting a similar incident near the 5.4-mile marker on I‑80 eastbound. This is near the Cline Ave overpass. In this case, the suspect reportedly stopped in the roadway and struck a second semi with the axe. The victim pulled over near Burr St. following the attack. This second victim advised Troopers that he observed the suspect vehicle traveling between lanes 2 and 3 at approximately 10 mph. Newman attempted to change lanes to avoid the suspect, but the Volkswagen swerved in front of him and came to a complete stop. This second victim stated the male suspect exited the vehicle and struck the front of his 2023 Freightliner with the axe before fleeing.
Trooper Jordin Rosillo subsequently observed the suspect vehicle traveling eastbound on I‑80. She activated her emergency lights and sirens, at which time the vehicle accelerated from 16 mph to 60 mph, initiating a pursuit. The driver accelerated to 80 mph before Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were able to box in the vehicle and bring it to a stop. A felony stop was conducted, and the driver was detained.
Trooper Rosillo stated the driver did not speak English and was uncooperative. He was identified as Ivan Savych, 29, from New Jersey. A long‑handled axe with a leather cover was located inside the Volkswagen. Lake County transported the uncooperative subject to the Lake County Jail for processing. He is preliminarily charged with the following offenses: resisting arrest, a Level 6 felony, and two counts of criminal mischief, a Class A 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.
