An Indiana state trooper found his police cruiser seriously challenged when he tried to pull over a speeding Dodge Challenger Hellcat on the Indiana Toll Road.
Trooper Dustin Eggert was merging back into traffic near Bremen on Tuesday after helping a broken-down motorist when the reddish-orange Hellcat passed him at a high rate of speed, according to a police statement obtained by Jalopnik. Police said Eggert witnessed the 707-horsepower muscle car weaving in and out of traffic without using turn signals as it passed slower vehicles.
The trooper began pursuit, but even though he reached reached speeds of 150 mph, he could not catch the Hellcat, which was allegedly going 160.
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-5',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 5',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-10',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 10',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-15',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 15',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
-
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-20',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 20',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
-
-
window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-c',
container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-22',
placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 22',
target_type: 'mix'
});
_taboola.push({flush: true});
Photo: Indiana State Police
State police in Bremen, Ind., say this Dodge Challenger Hellcat was clocked at 160 mph Tuesday while trying to evade a pursuing officer on the Indiana State Toll Road.
State police in Bremen, Ind., say this Dodge Challenger Hellcat was clocked at 160 mph Tuesday while trying to evade a pursuing officer on the Indiana State Toll Road.
Terra Nicolay is an executive at Chevron who became one of the first people in Texas to own a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, the new muscle car that boasts the most powerful engine ever placed in a standard production American car. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, in Houston.
lessTerra Nicolay is an executive at Chevron who became one of the first people in Texas to own a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, the new muscle car that boasts the most powerful engine ever placed in a standard
... more
A 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is been tested at the Hennessey Performance raceway. The Hellcat has 707 horse power but is also equipped with the features of comfort and luxury for a daily use. Wednesday, December 18, 2014, in Sealy.
lessA 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is been tested at the Hennessey Performance raceway. The Hellcat has 707 horse power but is also equipped with the features of comfort and luxury for a daily use.
... more
A 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is tested at the Hennessey Performance raceway. The Hellcat has 707 horse power but is also equipped with the features of comfort and luxury for a daily use. Wednesday, December 17, 2014, in Sealy.
lessA 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is tested at the Hennessey Performance raceway. The Hellcat has 707 horse power but is also equipped with the features of comfort and luxury for a daily use. Wednesday,
... more
View of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat logo on the front right side of the muscle car. Wednesday, December 17, 2014, in Sealy.
View of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat logo on the front right side of the muscle car. Wednesday, December 17, 2014, in Sealy.
Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle
A 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat accelerates on the green light as part of test drives at the Hennessey Performance raceway, Wednesday, December 17, 2014, in Sealy.
A 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat accelerates on the green light as part of test drives at the Hennessey Performance raceway, Wednesday, December 17, 2014, in Sealy.
Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle
Chevron executive Terra Nicolay got the first Dodge Challenger Hellcat delivered to Houston.
Chevron executive Terra Nicolay got the first Dodge Challenger Hellcat delivered to Houston.
Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Staff
Terra Nicolay is an executive at Chevron who became one of the first people in Texas to own a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, the new muscle car that boasts the most powerful engine ever placed in a standard production American car. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, in Houston.
lessTerra Nicolay is an executive at Chevron who became one of the first people in Texas to own a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, the new muscle car that boasts the most powerful engine ever placed in a standard
... more
707-horsepower 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat rated at 22 mpg highway (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group LLC)
707-horsepower 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat rated at 22 mpg highway (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group LLC)
Photo: A.J. Mueller, Associated Press
In its auto show debut at the 2014 South Florida International Auto Show in Miami, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat was awarded the "Star of the Show" from the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA).
In its auto show debut at the 2014 South Florida International Auto Show in Miami, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat was awarded the "Star of the Show" from the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA).
Photo: A.J. Mueller, Associated Press
Dodge, which debuted the Challenger SRT Hellcat earlier this year, showcases the 707-horsepower muscle car at this year's State Fair of Texas auto show.
Dodge, which debuted the Challenger SRT Hellcat earlier this year, showcases the 707-horsepower muscle car at this year's State Fair of Texas auto show.
Photo: Neal Morton, San Antonio Express-News
707-horsepower 6.2-liter HEMI(R) Hellcat V-8 most powerful engine ever named to Ward's 10 Best Engines (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group LLC)
707-horsepower 6.2-liter HEMI(R) Hellcat V-8 most powerful engine ever named to Ward's 10 Best Engines (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group LLC)
Photo: Associated Press
In testing on a 1.7-mile track, Dodge says that the up-tired Widebody Hellcat had lap times about two seconds quicker than the standard Hellcat, or about 13 car lengths after one lap.
In testing on a 1.7-mile track, Dodge says that the up-tired Widebody Hellcat had lap times about two seconds quicker than the standard Hellcat, or about 13 car lengths after one lap.
Photo: Dodge
The Challenger Hellcat Widebody's cabin features standard racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel and leather-covered sport seats.
The Challenger Hellcat Widebody's cabin features standard racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel and leather-covered sport seats.
Photo: Dodge
The wide flares borrowed from the Challenger Demon cover new 20-by-11-inch aluminum wheels unique to the Widebody. The low front splitter is also from the Demon parts bin.
The wide flares borrowed from the Challenger Demon cover new 20-by-11-inch aluminum wheels unique to the Widebody. The low front splitter is also from the Demon parts bin.
Photo: Dodge
On SRT's Hellcats, "Air Catcher" parking lamps funnel air to the air box and engine bay.
On SRT's Hellcats, "Air Catcher" parking lamps funnel air to the air box and engine bay.
Photo: Dodge
Stopping power comes from grippy 305/35ZR20 tires, six-piston Brembo calipers and 15.4-inch front rotors.
Stopping power comes from grippy 305/35ZR20 tires, six-piston Brembo calipers and 15.4-inch front rotors.
Photo: Dodge
Hellcat doing 160 MPH is too fast for cop, but then driver's luck runs out
MORE: Is the Dodge Demon a danger to other drivers?
The speed limit on the toll road is 70 mph.
Unable to gain on the speedster, Eggert radioed ahead for help, requesting officers watch for the Dodge. But then two big-rig trucks inadvertently came to the aid of law enforcement. They happened to be driving side by side on the two-lane highway, blocking the Dodge and allowing Eggert to catch up.
MORE: Challenger Hellcat Widebody's bigger tires pay big track dividends
Arrested on a reckless driving charge was J. Jesus Duran Sandoval, 38, of Lake Geneva, Wis., who police say was driving on an expired driver's license. He was taken to LaPorte County Jail.
The reason he was driving so fast? He was "trying to get to Maryland," or so he told Eggert.
Apparently he had a very pressing engagement.