Vernell F. Muhammad
Name: Vernell F. Muhammad
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Race: African-American/Black
Date: 07/07/2021
Location: I-94 and 18.5 mile-marker
Portage, Indiana, 46368
County: Porter
Agency: Indiana State Police
Cause of Death: Vehicle
Intended Use of Force: Pursuit
Media summary: At 8:57 a.m., a trooper stopped a silver 2012 Ford Focus on I-94 eastbound at the 40-mile marker for several alleged traffic offenses including following too closely and speeding in a construction zone with workers present. During the stop, the trooper learned that the driver, Vernell F. Muhammad, had active warrants through La Porte County for aggravated assault. As the trooper tried to place Muhammad into custody, Muhammad drove away. During the chase, Muhammad avoided stop sticks. The vehicle continued to the 18.5-mile marker where it rear-ended a semi. Muhammad was ejected from the Focus and killed.
Unique ID: 30574
News article: Link
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