LAGRANGE COUNTY — A Chicago man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly leading an Indiana State Trooper on a high-speed pursuit along the Indiana Toll Road while traveling with two young children.
The incident began on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at approximately 6:40 p.m., when a trooper spotted a silver Dodge pickup truck barreling eastbound near mile marker 90 at an alleged speed of 104 miles per hour.
Trooper John Levitz, who was operating a marked patrol vehicle further east, heard the radio dispatch and headed westbound to intercept the reckless driver. At approximately 6:48 p.m., Levitz clocked the approaching Dodge near mile marker 104, still traveling at a dangerous 102 miles per hour.
Levitz activated his emergency red and blue lights and siren, initiating a pursuit. He managed to catch up to the pickup truck near mile marker 117 in LaGrange County. Rather than pulling over, the driver of the Dodge continued to flee, driving aggressively and weaving from lane to lane to pass trailing traffic.
The pursuit finally ended near mile marker 121, where the driver pulled onto the right shoulder of the toll road and surrendered.
The driver was identified as 28-year-old Justyn Thomas of Chicago, Illinois. Upon securing the vehicle, troopers discovered that Thomas was not alone. The pickup truck was also occupied by an adult female, an 8-year-old child, and a 2-year-old toddler.
Thomas was safely taken into custody and transported to the LaGrange County Jail. He has been booked on several charges, including resisting law enforcement, a Level 6 felony, neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony, and reckless driving, a Class C misdemeanor
The adult female passenger and the two young children were released from the scene by authorities without further incident.
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.
