(LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP) – The death of an infant is being investigated by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office.

Undersheriff Jason Bingaman says deputies were called to the 21,000 block of Schweitzer Road in Lockport Township at 4:18 AM Tuesday because of an unresponsive infant. Deputies started lifesaving efforts, and shortly afterwards, the Three Rivers Fire Department arrived and took over resuscitation efforts. The infant was transported to the Beacon Health Three Rivers Emergency Room and was pronounced dead.

Deputies spoke with the infant’s mother, who said the father left before officers arrived, possibly because of having warrants against him. Several items, including meth paraphernalia were found at the house.

Deputies learned the father, a 36 year old Three Rivers man, may be heading to Baldwin and issued a be on the lookout for him.

Lake County Sheriff Rich Martin says shortly after 8 AM, a deputy spotted the suspect’s vehicle on M-37 south of Baldwin. Deputies tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect vehicle failed to yield. Stop sticks were put down and punctured the tires of the suspect vehicle. The driver kept going and eventually drove to his mother’s home on 40th Street, where he was taken into custody.

Two children in the vehicle, and 3 and 1, were handed over to Child Protective Services.

Bingaman says a search of the man’s vehicle uncovered meth paraphernalia. It’s believed that a controlled substance and alcohol are contributing factors in the incident.

The man is being held in the Lake County Jail on charges of fleeing and eluding along with driving with a suspended license. Bingaman says he will be transferred to St. Joseph County for questioning in the infant’s death.