Kokomo – This morning an approximately seven minute vehicle and foot pursuit led to the arrest of Michael Jones,34, Kokomo, IN. Jones was incarcerated in the Howard County Jail to face criminal charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, leaving the scene of a crash, reckless driving, resisting law enforcement officers causing injury, disorderly conduct, and carrying a handgun without a license.
This morning at approximately 12:30 a.m., Indiana State Trooper Steven Glass was on routine patrol when he initiated a traffic stop on a 2004 Pontiac for an unsafe lane movement and crossing the center line on Markland Street near U.S. 931, in Kokomo. The driver of the Pontiac, later identified as Jones, initially stopped, but then drove off leading Trooper Glass on an approximately four minute vehicle pursuit. Officers from the Kokomo Police Department and the Howard County Sheriff’s Department assisted Trooper Glass in pursuit of the Pontiac.
The pursuit ended after the Pontiac hit a utility pole near the intersection of County Road 100 North and County Road 250 East. After the crash, Jones purportedly emerged from the Pontiac and fled on foot. Approximately three minutes later officers captured Jones. He continued to resist officers who had to deploy a Taser to take him into custody. A Kokomo police officer suffered a minor injury to his nose and forehead while trying to gain control of Jones.
During the vehicle pursuit, Jones allegedly threw a handgun from the Pontiac. It was located by Indiana State Police Trooper Caleb Clark and his police dog Blitz.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
-30- Slocum
