Steuben County, IN (12-31-25) — On December 31, 2025, one individual was arrested after leading an Indiana State Police Trooper on a pursuit in Steuben County.
Just before 9:30 a.m., an Indiana State Police trooper was patrolling Interstate 69 in Steuben County, when he observed a dark-colored Dodge Charger with a red racing stripe at 105 mph in a posted 70 mph zone.
When the trooper activated his emergency lights, the vehicle failed to stop and continued northbound on I-69. The driver attempted to exit the interstate at the 350-mile marker for Steuben County Road 200 West, at which point the vehicle left the roadway and became stuck in a creek. The driver, identified as Dakota Carter (21) of Fort Wayne, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Steuben County Jail. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Further investigation revealed a handgun was thrown from inside the vehicle and ended up in the creek where the crash occurred. A member of the Indiana State Police Underwater Search and Rescue Team was able to locate and recover the handgun.
Dakota Carter was arrested on the following charges:
- Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle — Level 6 felony
- Criminal recklessness with a vehicle while in possession of a handgun — Level 6 felony
- Possession of marijuana — Class B misdemeanor
- Operating while intoxicated (controlled substance) — Class C misdemeanor
The Indiana State Police were assisted by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, the Angola Police Department, and the Indiana State Police Underwater Search and Rescue Team.
If there are any questions regarding this release, please contact the Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post at (260)432-8661.
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