Fort Wayne man arrested after high-speed chase on U.S. 30

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

A 28-year-old Fort Wayne man is facing multiple charges after leading Marshall County officers on a high-speed chase Tuesday evening that reached speeds of 95 mph.

Sebastiano Di Palma was taken into custody following the incident that began at approximately 8:07 p.m. on U.S. 30 in the area of Michigan Street, according to a news release from the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.

Deputy Andrew Wozniak attempted to pull over a 2024 Chevrolet for exceeding the posted speed limit. Instead of stopping, the vehicle accelerated and continued eastbound at a high rate of speed, reaching 95 mph during the pursuit.

Officers attempted to deploy stop sticks at the intersection of King Road, but the effort was unsuccessful. Two officers were eventually able to position their police vehicles in front of and behind the fleeing vehicle, bringing the chase to a safe conclusion and forcing the driver to pull over.

Di Palma, who was driving the vehicle, was placed under arrest. A female passenger in the vehicle was later released without charges.

Di Palma faces three criminal charges: resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle without ever receiving a driver's license. He was booked into the Marshall County Jail on a $1,500 cash bond.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.