Reckless Driver Captured after Fleeing on Foot
Clay County—This afternoon at 12:19, Indiana State Police Region V Dispatch Center notified Putnamville Troopers working along I-70 of a speeding and reckless driver on westbound I-70 in western Clay County. The 911 caller reported a gold Ford Taurus was utilizing the emergency lane west of SR 59 to pass traffic and was doing so at a very high rate of speed. ISP Troopers Troy Cobb and Jim Cruse were stationary on the westbound emergency shoulder near the 16.5 mile marker observing for the suspect vehicle, when suddenly the Taurus appeared and nearly struck the troopers. The 2002 Taurus swerved across the westbound lanes, through the median, across the eastbound lanes, and came to rest on the south side of I-70 near a wooded area. The driver then fled on foot southwest into the wooded area.
Additional troopers and Clay County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to assist. Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Nevill and K-9 “Argo” initiated a “track” into the wooded area. At approximately 12:55 troopers and deputies located the suspect and apprehension was made without incident. The identity of the driver has yet to be determined, but documents in the vehicle lead troopers to believe there may be a connection to residents of Kentucky. The preliminary charges are Reckless Driving and Resisting Law Enforcement.
As soon as the identity of the driver is determined, it will be provided.
The suspect is currently at St. Vincent-Clay Hospital for treatment of a wrist injury sustained in the crash.
The case is being investigated by ISP Master Trooper Troy Cobb. Assisting were ISP Troopers Brent Robinson, Jim Cruse, Kyle Hall, and Joe Watts; Clay County Sheriff’s Deputies Sergeant Jerry Siddons and Bill Nevill and K-9 “Argo” and Mikes Towing.
Pictures from scene attached.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Auth/Sergeant Joe Watts
