Gary, Lake County – Early this morning, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Trooper William Carlson was sitting stationary on the inner shoulder eastbound on I-80/94 eastbound near Burr Street (6-mile marker). Carlson was in a fully marked police car when he was able to use his speed timing device and clock the car at 116 miles-per-hour in a well posted 55 mile-per-hour speed zone.
The car, a 2002 Acura, began to increase his speed as Carlson pulled out to catch up with the vehicle. The Acura sped up to 140 miles-per-hour, it began weaving in and out of traffic even though the traffic was light, and passed cars on the outside shoulder on two separate occasions.
The Acura finally came to stop at the 13.5-mile marker (Central Avenue) and the driver, Dino Lorenzo Gagliano, 20 of Dyer, was taken into custody. Gagliano stated he was worried about his license but believed that State Police cars had V6 engines and was surprised when Trooper Carlson was able to catch up so quickly.
Gagliano was taken and incarcerated at the Lake County Jail in Crown Point.
Charges:
- Resisting Law Enforcement-Level 6 Felony
- Reckless Driving-Class B Misdemeanor
- Driving with a Suspended License-infraction
- Speeding
- Unsafe Lane Movement
- Failure to Signal Lane Changes
Assisting: Sergeants Dan Avitia, Dwayne Dillahunty, Troopers Runyon, Rosillo and Beers, and Double T Towing
The picture is of the Acura, a photo of Gagliano may be obtained by contacting the Lake County Jail
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
[SOURCE: Indiana State Police]