Full Notification

Knox County Man Arrested after Fleeing from Off-Duty Trooper

Knox County – Yesterday afternoon at approximately 12:05, Trooper Nick Hatfield was off-duty and driving his patrol car southbound on Freelandville Road when a 2001 Ford Focus passed him traveling north. The vehicle matched the description of a vehicle that was seen in the area attempting to burglarize a residence on Thursday.  When Hatfield turned around to follow the vehicle he noticed the driver accelerated and disregarded a stop sign at Freelandville Road and SR 58. Hatfield immediately activated his emergency lights and siren. The driver of the Ford Focus continued west on SR 58 passing two other vehicles before stopping in a parking lot on Indiana Street at 1^st Street in Freelandville.  The driver was identified as Dustin Perry, 23, of Freelandville.  Three adults and a one-year-old child were also in the vehicle.  Hatfield also detected a strong odor of marijuana inside the vehicle. A search discovered a plastic bag containing approximately 11 grams of marijuana. Further investigation revealed the marijuana belonged to Perry.  Hatfield also revealed Perry has never had a driver’s license and there was an active felony warrant for his arrest out of Martin County. He was taken to the Knox County Jail where he is currently being held on bond. The passengers were released.

Arrested and Charges:

• Dustin Perry, 23, Freelandville, IN

1. Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony
2. Possession of Marijuana, Class C Misdemeanor
3. Operating a Vehicle while Never Receiving a Driver’s License, Class C Misdemeanor
4. Outstanding Felony Warrant (Martin County)
5. Expired Registration
6. Disregarding a Stop Sign

Arresting Officer: Trooper Nick Hatfield

Assisting Officers: Sgt. Bill Gadberry, Master Trooper John Trotter and Trooper Ryan Johnson

Assisting Agency: Knox County Sheriff’s Office

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All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.