*UPDATE*
Indiana State Troopers are currently investigating criminal mischief incidents which have been occurring on I-94 at the County Road 900 North overpass in LaPorte County. C.R. 900 N, is at the 43.8 M.M. on I-94 approximately 1 mile west of the Michigan state line.
The past three days Troopers have responded to 24 complaints of criminal mischief of objects being thrown off the overpass with a total of 17 crash reports being taken. This activity is extremely dangerous to the motoring public as it can result in not only damage to vehicles but injuries and even death in the event of an object penetrating a windshield and striking an occupant of a moving vehicle.
On Dec 2 at approximately 5:45 p.m. State Troopers were doing extra patrol in the area of 900 N. and I-94. State Police had received several very helpful anonymous tips from concerned citizens as a result of the news article written earlier that day. A citizen called 911 and reported that vehicle crashes were occurring on I-94 at the C.R. 900 N. overpass as a result of objects being thrown over the fence. Upon the officers arrival 3 bicycles were located hidden in the weeds along C.R. 900 N, A search of the area by officers led to two juveniles who were immediately taken into custody at the scene. A track was also started by M/Trp. Caylor and his K-9 partner Nikan which resulted in locating 2 additional suspects 1/2 mile from the scene hiding along a fence line. Those two subjects were also taken into custody without incident.
The LaPorte County Prosecutor's Office was contacted and all subjects were transported to the LaPorte County Juvenile Detention Center in LaPorte. Charges are currently pending.
The Indiana State Police thanks the public for their concern and willingness to assist. Their anonymous tips proved to be helpful in this investigation.
Assisting were the LaPorte County Sheriff's Department, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Division and the Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigators.
Photos of damaged vehicles are attached.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
M/Trp. Glen Fifield
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