Indiana State Police (ISP) arrested a man who damaged semi trucks with a long‑handled axe on I-80 before leading police on a pursuit on Friday afternoon.
Volkswagen Driver Brake Checked Semis, Swung Axe At Freightliner
At 4:30 p.m. on September 11, 2026, ISP responded to eastbound I-80 at mile marker 1.9 in Hammond for a report that a male with an axe attacked a semi truck near the Calumet Ave. overpass.
When troopers arrived on scene, they made contact with the driver of a 2025 Freightliner parked on the inside shoulder of I-80.
The truck driver told troopers that she observed a black 2011 Volkswagen with Illinois registration driving erratically and cutting off other semi trucks on eastbound I-80. The Volkswagen then stopped in lane two, forcing the Freightliner to come to a complete stop.
The truck driver said that a barefoot white male exited the Volkswagen who “appeared irate, and yelled incoherently.” The man reentered the Volkswagen and backed up, nearly striking the Freightliner, then exited again, this time carrying a long-handled axe with a leather blade cover.
“The male struck her grill, puncturing the radiator, and struck the driver‑side headlight. The victim further stated the male began approaching her driver door; however, her large dog began to bark loudly inside the cab, prompting the suspect to return to his vehicle and flee the scene,” ISP said.
Second Freightliner Attacked
At 4:49 p.m. on September 11, ISP received a call about a similar incident that occurred on eastbound I-80 at mile marker 5.4, near the Cline Ave overpass.
The driver of a 2023 Freightliner told troopers that the suspect’s Volkswagen was traveling between lanes 2 and 3 at approximately 10 m.p.h. The truck driver said he tried to change lanes to avoid the Volkswagen, but the motorist swerved in front of him before coming to a complete stop. Then the suspect exited the vehicle and struck the front of the Freightliner with the axe before fleeing the scene.
Police Pursuit Hits Speeds of 80 MPH
ISP Trooper Jordin Rosillo spotted the Volkswagen traveling on eastbound I-80.
She activated her emergency lights and sirens, at which time the vehicle accelerated from 16 m.p.h. to 60 m.p.h., initiating a pursuit.
The suspect fled police at speeds up to 80 m.p.h. before Lake County Sheriff’s deputies boxed in the Volkswagen and brought it to a stop.
Motorist Arrested, Identified As New Jersey Man
A felony traffic stop was conducted.
The Volkswagen driver “did not speak English and was uncooperative,” according to Trooper Rosillo. He was later identified as Ivan Savych, 29, from New Jersey.
The axe and leather cover were recovered from the Volkswagen.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office transported Savych to the Lake County Jail.
Preliminary charges include Resisting Law Enforcement- Level 6 Felony and two counts of Criminal Mischief- Class A Misdemeanor.
