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Elkhart Man Arrested After Leading ISP On Chase
By: Mike Stiles - Saturday, January 15, 2022

(photo courtesy of Indiana State Police)

(St. JOSEPH COUNTY) - An Elkhart man was arrested after leading Indiana State Police on a pursuit Friday morning.

Around 11:15 AM Friday, Indiana State Police Master Trooper Geoffrey Gruber stopped a gray 2013 Jeep for speeding on the U.S. 20 Bypass in the area of Beech Road. The driver of the Jeep, identified as 27 year old Zachary Jester of Elkhart, pulled over. But as Gruber was talking to Jester from the passenger window, Jester drove away.

Jester drove west on the US 20 Bypass, exiting at Elm Road and heading north. He then went west on Lincolnway into Mishawaka, leading Gruber down several side streets and alleys before eventually heading westbound on Mishawaka Avenue. Jester ran a red light, crashing into a brown SUV at the intersection of Ironwood and Mishawaka Avenues.

Jester continued south on Ironwood, then went east on Lincolnway, where he turned into the parking lot of a business and crashed into a fence. Jester ran away from the scene but was quickly taken into custody after unsuccessfully attempting to get into the locked back door of a passing car.

A male passenger of the Jeep remained at the scene and was not arrested. It was also discovered that Jester had his two year-old son in the backseat, and he was improperly restrained. The child was checked by EMTs at the scene and later released to his mother.

ISP say further investigation revealed that Jester has seven active warrants out of Elkhart County and one active arrest warrant from Whitley County.

Jester was arrested and transported to the St. Joseph County Jail on the eight active arrest warrants and new charges of Resisting Law Enforcement, Child Endangerment, Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Driving While Suspended-Prior, and Reckless Driving.

Indiana State Police was assisted by the Mishawaka Police Department.



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