Full Notification

Indianapolis, IN – Earlier today, a bystander helped an Indiana State Trooper capture and detain a fleeing suspect. The incident began when Master Trooper Shanna Kennedy was patrolling the area around 21^st Street and Shadeland Avenue. Her patrol car, equipped with license plate reading technology, indicated a passing vehicle was registered to a suspended driver. Trooper Kennedy located the vehicle and visually verified that the male subject driving the vehicle, matched the description of the suspended owner. The vehicle was only occupied by the driver, who matched that description. Kennedy initiated a traffic stop and the black 2002 Nissan immediately turned into the parking lot of a business in the area of 21^st and Shadeland. Upon stopping, the male driver immediately exited his vehicle and began to walk away. Trooper Kennedy caught up to the driver on foot and asked him to produce an identification. The male subject refused several times to identify himself, at which time Kennedy attempted to place him in handcuffs. While handcuffing the suspect he began to physically resist arrest. Kennedy was able to get one arm handcuffed before a scuffle ensued, the suspect pulled away and began to run.

Sitting in his truck nearby, watching these events unfold, was Derek Crutchfield. As the suspect fled from Trooper Kennedy, Mr. Crutchfield yelled out to her, “Do you need help?” Kennedy responded by saying “yes.” Without regard for his own safety, Crutchfield got out of his vehicle and gave chase of the suspect along with Kennedy. The chase lasted approximately 200 yards before Kennedy caught up to the suspect, who again began to physically resist arrest. Mr. Crutchfield intervened at this point and helped Kennedy physically restrain the resisting suspect. A nearby security guard saw the scuffle and came over to assist as Crutchfield and Kennedy were restraining the suspect.

The suspect was identified as 48 year old Chijioke Joshua Uzoanya of Indianapolis, who was the suspended registered owner of the vehicle. He was incarcerated at the Marion County Adult Processing Center on the preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, and driving while suspended.

Although the outcome of this event was positive, with no injuries, police would encourage a person to use extreme caution before attempting to intervene with any kind of police investigation or incident. Not only is it dangerous, a simple miscommunication can quickly escalate the situation. In an event such as this, Mr. Crutchfield verbally announced his intentions to help the trooper and waited for acknowledgment before getting involved.

Any accusations portrayed in this release are alleged, formal criminal charges will be determined by a prosecuting attorney. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Because an arrest was made, any further inquiries about this incident should be directed to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.

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Perrine