Rochester – Today at approximately 3:40 p.m., Indiana State Trooper Luke Bowyer was driving through Rochester when he allegedly witnessed a 2001 Dodge Durango, driven by Dakota Tucker, 23, Lapaz, IN, fail to yield to traffic on Ninth Street. The Dodge struck an eastbound 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Dawn Hazelwood, 39, Rochester, IN. The Dodge had been traveling southbound on Franklin Street. Neither Tucker nor Hazelwood were injured in the crash.
After the crash, Tucker emerged from the Durango and fled southbound, leading Trooper Bowyer on an approximately two block foot chase. Bowyer caught Tucker immediately after the suspect had entered a home at 1012 Franklin Street. Tucker gained access to the residence through an unlocked door. He was taken into custody without further incident. The home was occupied by the owner who was not familiar with Tucker. The home owner was not injured.
Tucker was incarcerated in the Fulton County Jail to face criminal charges for residential entry, resisting law enforcement, leaving the scene of a property damage crash, and operating a motor vehicle while never licensed. He also faces traffic citations for no proof of insurance and failure to yield the right away.
Trooper Bowyer was assisted with this case by Trooper Mike Meiser, Trooper Todd Trottier, Trooper Tyson Waldron, Trooper Dustin Rutledge, and officers from the Rochester Police Department.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
