Man Bites Indiana State Trooper During Traffic Stop, Runs Away Leaving Child Behind

Indiana State Police are searching for a man who bit a trooper during a traffic stop before fleeing the scene and leaving his child behind.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, while a state trooper was patrolling the 1.3 mile-marker westbound on the Indiana Toll Road in the Hammond area.

Authorities said the suspect was pulled over in a a silver Mitsubishi after the trooper initiated a traffic stop at the 1.2 mile-marker for an alleged equipment violation.

The driver initially refused to identify himself to the trooper when asked. The suspect then started acting aggressively while the trooper attempted to place him in custody, reported WANE.

During the ensuing tussle, the driver bit the trooper on his arm. The trooper then discharged his stun gun on the suspect which reportedly had no effect.

During the time, a six-year-old boy who was inside the suspect's vehicle then got out. The trooper saw that the boy was precariously close to passing traffic and told the boy to get back inside the car.

The trooper then went in pursuit of the driver, who had fled on foot. The brief chase saw the pair run across the highway and into an area of thick bushes.

A K-9 unit was called to assist with the search of the suspect, to no avail.

The child was reunited with his mother at the scene. The state trooper who was bitten in the incident was treated and released for his injuries.

The suspect's vehicle was later impounded.

Indiana State Police have been contacted for an update on the search for the driver.

Elsewhere, Indiana State Police arrested a man on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after he was allegedly caught speeding around 20 miles per hour over the limit.

Indiana State Police Trooper Arthur Smith was patrolling the Interstate 80/90 Toll Road construction zone near the westbound 153.8 mile marker at around 2 a.m. on Saturday.

Smith observed a 2019 Western Star semi-tractor/trailer coming into the construction zone at a speed of around 72 miles per hour. The construction zone in question has been restricted down to a single lane, with reduced speed limits of 45-55 miles per hour.

While trying to initiate a traffic stop, the trooper observed "continued aggressive and reckless driving behavior," including nearly hitting another car.

After being pulled over, a very strong odor of alcoholic beverage was alleged to be coming from the passenger department, with alcoholic beverage containers in plain sight.

Suspect Ramzi M Al Jzazi, 35, of Cleveland, Ohio, has been charged with two counts of operating while intoxicated.