St. Joseph County – A short car chase Wednesday afternoon turned into a long investigation for state police. It began when Master Trooper Judith Kubsch attempted to stop a motorist around noon for a traffic violation.
According to Trooper Kubsch, she was attempting to stop the driver of a purple Ford Escort for speeding, when the driver fled in his car. The pursuit started in the area of Quince Rd. and Edison Rd. in South Bend. The short chase lasted less than three minutes and covered approximately 2.5 miles reaching speeds of 75mph. The pursuit was terminated by Kubsch when the driver of the Escort turned west on Clyde Ct. and then drove his car through several back yards in a residential area.
Police saturated the area and found the abandoned Ford Escort minutes later in the vicinity of Pear Rd. and Early Rd. However, the driver of the car had fled on foot. Police learned from witnesses that the man driving the purple Escort had been seen in the area for the past few days but was unknown to them. The vehicle was impounded and taken to Deans Towing in South Bend.
A subsequent investigation by Kubsch eventually led police back to Deans Towing late Wednesday night accompanied by the State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, the St. Joseph County Police Department, and a bomb dog from the Elkhart Police Department. Kubsch had been informed by a witness that there might be a bomb in the trunk of the car.
State police bomb technicians did not find a bomb. However, they did notice several items that are considered precursors to meth manufacturing. A search warrant for the car was obtained and several items including the remnants of a mobile meth lab were discovered.
Police are asking for help in the case with identifying the driver of the purple Ford Escort. He is described as a male white subject with short dark hair. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bremen State Police Post at 574-546-4900.
*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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