Gary, Lake County-Early this morning, at approximately 12:19 a.m., Sergeant Wanda Clay (Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division) came across a 2003 Ford Taurus on I-80 eastbound at Burr Street. The Taurus was parked in the gore area (triangular area with white striped lines) between the right lane of I-80 and the Burr Street entrance ramp. The driver of the Taurus was asleep at the wheel with the engine running.

Trooper Brian Rubesha arrived to assist and knocked on the window to awake the driver. The driver, later identified as Ted E. Compton, 38 of Lake Village, Indiana, put the car in gear and took off; this resulted in a pursuit for 3 miles until the Taurus exited at Grant Street and pulled over onto the shoulder.

Compton was taken into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail.

Arrested and Charges:

Ted E. Compton, 38 of Lake Village-Charged with Operating While Intoxicated (Felony) (refusal), Habitual Traffic Violator (Class D Felony) and Resisting Law Enforcement (Class D Felony).

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.