Near Head-On Crash with Trooper leads to Brief Chase and Two Arrests
Posey County – This morning at approximately 9:12, Trooper Kylen Compton was patrolling on West Franklin south of SR 62 when the driver of a 2004 Chevrolet Impala drove left of center almost striking his patrol car head-on. Compton immediately turned around and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop and continued north on West Franklin. The driver turned onto Broadway from West Franklin and slowed down just enough to allow his passenger to jump out. The driver continued east on Broadway. Trooper Compton stopped and identified the passenger as Daniel Fenwick, 25, of Evansville. A wanted check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for driving while suspended in Vanderburgh County. While Trooper Compton was gathering information a motorist stopped to inform him that a vehicle had crashed about two-miles down the road on Broadway. Officers found the 2004 Chevrolet Impala on Broadway west of Posey County Line Road. It appeared the driver had lost control in a curve and struck a fire hydrant. The driver had fled the scene prior to officers arriving. Indiana State Police, Vanderburgh County and Posey County Sheriff’s Department set up a perimeter and were waiting for an Indiana State Police K-9 to arrive when a Vanderburgh County Deputy spotted the driver walking down Lower Mt. Vernon Road near Posey County Line Road. The driver was identified as Chris Basham, 28, of Evansville. He was arrested without incident and taken to the Posey County Jail where he is currently being held on bond. Fenwick was also arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail.
Arrested and Charges:
• Chris Basham, 28, Evansville, IN
1. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
2. Habitual Traffic Offender for Life, Level 5 Felony
3. Reckless Driving, Class B Misdemeanor
• Daniel Fenwick, 25, Evansville, IN
1. Outstanding Failure to Appear Warrant
MEDIA NOTE:
Photo 1: Chris Basham
Photo 2: Daniel Fenwick
Arresting Officer: Trooper Kylen Compton, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officers:
Assisting Agencies: Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department
Posey County Sheriff's Department
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