Stop sticks end chases in Chesterton

Chesterton police have already had the opportunity to deploy their new stop sticks four times to end chases.

Police Chief Tim Richardson told the police commission Thursday that in all four cases the chases were not initiated by his officers but went through Chesterton.

The city had recently agreed to follow Richardson’s recommendation to switch to a brand he had previously used when he was a Michigan City police officer.

“They’re a lot more user-friendly,” Richardson said.

Richardson said he also believes his officers are placed in less vulnerable positions because stop sticks are easier to place on the roadway.

Separately, Commission Member John Schnadenberg commended the department for the quick arrest of three juveniles for spray paint vandalism at Chesterton Park.

All three juveniles face delinquency charges of criminal mischief in Porter County Juvenile Court, Richardson said. One of the defendants faced an additional charge of violating the curfew.

Richardson credited Sgt. Justin Frever and the night patrol officers for their work leading to the arrests.

The Commission also voted unanimously to increase tow impound fees from $185 to $200 and to increase daily storage fees from $45 to $50.

Richardson said Chesterton was simply raising the fees to match those charged by Porter County. He said it was the first increase in four years.

The construction of the new police station is progressing well. Richardson said the elevator has been installed and flooring and countertops will be next.

“It’s full steam ahead,” Richardson said.

The ministry begins to decide which items to keep or discard.

Richardson said he expects the department to begin moving into the new building in August, but it likely won’t be fully operational until September.

A 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe truck that will be used as a command vehicle has been delivered. Richardson apologized to the police commission for going to the city council to get approval for $46,000 to purchase the vehicle, but said he had to act before the commission meeting because the vehicle was a good deal.