FORT WAYNE — A suspect is in custody after leading police on a multi-county chase and barricading himself inside his vehicle. The chase began near Syracuse in Kosciusko County around 9:15 p.m. Friday. Both Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputies, and Whitley County deputies were pursuing the vehicle.

An officer attempted to make a traffic stop after determining the suspect was driving a stolen vehicle. The suspect refused to stop and sped away. Other county units deployed Stop Sticks, which had already deflated several of the vehicle’s tires, and it was running on rims as it entered Allen County around 9:30 p.m.

Allen County Police Officers joined the pursuit, and as the vehicle continued into the city and turned southbound onto Goshen Avenue. Police believed the man was armed and according to Fort Wayne Police Spokesman Chris Felton, he tried to ram into several squad cars during the chase.

Officers closed off all of State Blvd to Clinton Street in Fort Wayne when the suspect came to a stop and refused to leave the vehicle. The vehicle turned eastbound on West State Blvd, and ran off of the road at Westbrook Drive. The car was stuck in a ditch near West State Blvd. and Westbrook Drive. According to police he threatened to kill himself and appeared to have a gun. FWPD called out negotiators. Around 10:15pm he was finally taken into custody.

The man was arrested and taken to jail Kosciusko County and charges are expected to be filed. Felton did not know yet what those charges would be.

Source: wane.com