VALPARAISO | Valparaiso police said a drunken driver drove on roadways, alleys and lawns in an attempt to elude police, and he even accelerated when a police officer's hand was trapped in his car window.

The suspect, Justin Higgins, 22, of 4703 Andover Court, was arrested Saturday night on charges of drunken driving, fleeing, driving while suspended, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, criminal recklessness with a vehicle and criminal mischief. He also was found to be warranted on a warrant.

Police said they responded to Duffy's Bar on Axe Avenue after Higgins' mother reported that Higgins took her vehicle without her permission and was at the bar with his brother. Police said they arrived to find Higgins driving away northbound on Axe Avenue.

Police tried to stop the Ford Escort on Monroe Street at 11:54 p.m. Saturday, but they said Higgins drove over a sidewalk and fled on streets, alleys and even a fraternity house's lawn on the city's south side. Police said he also drove the wrong way on a one-way road during the pursuit.

Valparaiso University police joined in the pursuit and Higgins finally stopped when he drove into a fenced yard at 808 Monroe St. Valparaiso police Sgt. David Castellanos said he tried to remove Higgins at gunpoint, but he wouldn't respond to commands. The officer said he stuck his hand in the car window, which was rolled down 2 inches, and tried to open the door.

The officer's hand was stuck in the door when Higgins drove off, but the hand finally dislodged and Higgins exited the yard and drove away. The officer said he did not rejoin the pursuit, but heard Higgins stopped on College Avenue, near Freeman Street, where he was arrested.

Police said the 2.9-mile pursuit lasted five minutes. Police said the only property damaged was the lawn and a tree at 808 Monroe St.

Police said Higgins was taken to the police station, where he broke an electrical outlet and tried to shock himself. Police said he also banged his head and wrists against a wall.

Police took Higgins to Porter County Jail. His brother, Joshua Higgins, 24, of the same address, was arrested on a public intoxication charge.