Putnamville Trooper Spots Suspect Vehicle from Alleged Shoplifting
Vigo County-This evening at approximately 5:50, Vigo County Central Dispatch reported to area law enforcement agencies of an alleged shoplifting incident at a department store on south US 41, Terre Haute. The suspect was a white male, slim build, dark hair, and dark clothing, with a tattoo on his neck and possibly carrying a blue Nike brand bag. The suspect left the scene in a gray SUV.
Moments later, Indiana State Police Trooper Nicole Cheeks spotted the suspect vehicle, a gray 2003 Kia, southbound on US 41 at Carlisle Street. The suspect vehicle turned south on Carlisle Street and initially stopped just south of Vigo Drive. During contact with the driver and passenger, Trooper Cheeks verified the occupants matched the description from the shoplifting incident and summoned assistance. Before arrival of other units, the suspects fled southbound on Carlisle Street with Trooper Cheeks in pursuit.
The pursuit ended on Oregon Church Road west of Sugar Lane after the suspect driver crashed the vehicle into a wooded area. Both suspects then fled on foot with Trooper Cheeks and now Vigo County Sheriff’s Deputy Mary Parmer giving chase, as additional units from the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police arrived.
Minutes later, at approximately 6:09, Vigo County Sheriff’s K-9 Deputy Kris Morris and “Blitz” apprehended the suspected driver.
The driver, Erik S. Deal, age 32, of Terre Haute, IN., was incarcerated in the Vigo County Jail and preliminarily charged by Indiana State Police with Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle (felony). Deal was found to have multiple felony warrants out of the state of Tennessee for probation violation, auto theft, burglary, and sale of schedule II drug.
The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office is handling the shoplifting investigation and anyone with information on the remaining suspect at large, who is believed to be the actual shoplifter, is urged to contact the VCSO.
Attached picture is Erik S. Deal.
Questions concerning the ISP investigation should be directed to Sergeant Joe Watts.
Questions about the VCSO investigation should be directed to Sheriff Greg Ewing or his designee.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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SGT. JOE WATTS
