A 35-year-old man from Chicago is facing multiple felony charges in Porter County after authorities say he led police on a high-speed pursuit and intentionally rammed several squad cars, injuring an officer.
Rene S. Cardona was charged following the incident, which court documents say began around 1:20 a.m. on Feb. 19, 2026, in the Willowcreek area of Portage. Officers reportedly attempted to stop a black 2021 GMC Carryall with emergency lights and sirens activated, but Cardona allegedly fled.
According to court records, Cardona drove into oncoming traffic during the pursuit and intentionally struck multiple police vehicles. One of the squad cars that was hit was involved in a head-on collision. The officer driving that vehicle suffered an injury to his right arm, causing extreme pain and impaired function.
Authorities said the pursuit ended when Cardona crashed. Officers reportedly removed him from the driver’s seat, and court filings state he admitted to being the driver involved in the pursuit and crash.
Investigators also reported observing signs of impairment, including the odor of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes, alcoholic beverage containers inside the vehicle, failure to turn off the vehicle, and refusal to submit to a chemical test.
Cardona was lodged in the Porter County Jail.
Charges filed Feb. 20, 2026, include:
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Resisting Law Enforcement Causing Bodily Injury — Level 4 Felony
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Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Bodily Injury — Level 5 Felony
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Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Bodily Injury — Level 6 Felony
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Reckless Driving — Class A Misdemeanor
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Aggressive Driving — Class A Misdemeanor