Pictured is one of the large bags of marijuana found by police. Photo provided.
News Release
SOUTH BEND – A Chicago man has been arrested after fleeing from an Indiana State Trooper, resulting in a crash, and the discovery of two pounds of suspected marijuana Thursday night.
Around 7:45 p.m. Trooper Arthur Smith attempted to stop a black 2019 Chevrolet Impala for speeding on the US 20 Bypass near Elm Road, but the westbound motorist sped up and fled.
The driver of the Impala continued to attempt to get away from Smith, who had his siren and red and blue lights on, as it continued fleeing westbound on the US 20 Bypass. The driver of the Impala approached SR 2 and exited to go westbound on SR 2. After passing another car on the exit ramp, the driver continued to flee westbound on SR 2.
Just east of Pine Road, the Impala struck the raised concrete median causing it to cross the westbound lanes of SR 2 and collide with the rear of a gold 2002 Ford Taurus that was also traveling westbound. The Impala continued on for approximately 300 yards before coming to a stop. There were no injuries to the occupants of the Ford.
The driver of the Impala, Rodney Clemons, 19 of Chicago, attempted to exit the Impala through the driver side door but was unable to due to damage from the crash. Clemons then allegedly attempted to climb over the female passenger in the front passenger seat and exit.
Clemons was then taken into custody.
Indiana State Police K9, Nala, conducted a free-air sniff on the Impala and alerted to the odor of narcotics. A search of the Impala led to the discovery of approximately two pounds of suspected marijuana.
Clemons was taken to the St. Joseph County Jail and preliminarily arrested for resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, reckless driving, dealing marijuana, and possession of marijuana.