According to the Porter County Sheriff’s Department, officer Paul Czupryn was working crowd control at the Valparaiso fireworks display July 4 when a vehicle drove over a curb at approximately 9:30 p.m. into a closed construction area of a playground.

Officer Czupryn observed the vehicle accelerating toward a group of more than 100 people watching fireworks. He began to run alongside the vehicle, banging on the door and yelling at the driver to stop.

When it became apparent the driver was not going to stop, Czupryn opened the door and pulled on the steering wheel, directing the vehicle away from the scattering crowd. The officer lost his grip and fell, sustaining minor injuries, as the vehicle then fled.

Czupryn radioed for assistance and ran to his police issued motorcycle to pursue the suspect. After locating the vehicle a short distance away, the driver again refused to stop. When the vehicle became boxed in at a stop light, the officer was able to pull up and reach through the passenger window to turn off the ignition.

The suspect was taken into custody and several charges have been filed, including minor consumption, operating while intoxicated, criminal recklessness and resisting law enforcement. The vehicle’s passenger was also arrested for minor consumption.

Source: WSBT