Postal truck stolen

A U.S. Postal Service truck was stolen from the Sturgis post office and its driver led police on a high-speed pursuit late Sunday.

Around 9:30 p.m., White Pigeon police spotted the truck near the intersection of U.S. 12 and Lutz Road. When an officer attempted to stop the vehicle, its driver continued west on U.S. 12 at high speed.

The truck was driven through a red light at U.S. 131, nearly striking another vehicle, and speeds reached 80 miles per hour as the driver continued into Mottville.

While fleeing on U.S. 12, the White Pigeon officer backed away from the chase when the driver began to swerve into oncoming traffic. The pursuit continued into Cass County, then Elkhart County.

The chase ended when the postal truck struck a post and the driver fled on foot.

Sturgis police, who are investigating the theft, believe they know the driver and will seek a warrant for his arrest.