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…