PORTAGE | A Portage police officer on his way to work Wednesday night said he spotted a motorist who was speeding, driving erratically and passing in a no-passing zone.

The officer said he tried to stop the driver, but the driver led him on a several-mile chase before he and his two passengers fled on foot. The driver and one passenger got away, but one passenger -- Krystyn Horn, 18, of Valparaiso -- was arrested on charges of fleeing, underage drinking and possession of marijuana.

The chase began about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday on County Road 700 North, near Willowcreek Road.

Officer Adam Zosso chased the red 1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT westbound on County Road 700 North. Police said the driver was slowing to turn onto County Road 712 West when Zosso performed a P.I.T. (Precision Immobilization Technique) in an attempt to end the pursuit.

The P.I.T., which Portage police utilize at speeds of 40 mph or less, involves bumping the rear quarter panel of the fleeing vehicle to get it to spin out. The fleeing car did spin, but the driver came out of the spin and went southbound on County Road 700 West.

The car soon stopped and all three occupants ran, police said.

"The female was caught and the two males got away despite two canines and officers from various jurisdictions," said Portage police Sgt. Keith Hughes, adding the investigation continues and further arrests are possible.

The Portage police car sustained about $1,500 damage as a result of the P.I.T. The suspects' car, which is owned by Horn, also was damaged and impounded.