Driver Rolls Stolen Vehicle while Attempting to Elude Trooper
Vigo County—Last night at 5:28, Indiana State Police Trooper Courtland Woodruff was patrolling eastbound on State Road 246 approximately one mile west of All Street, when he spotted a westbound 2001 Oldsmobile four-door traveling at 78 miles-per-hour in a 55mph zone. As Trooper Woodruff turned around to catch up to the vehicle, the driver sped away reaching speeds of approximately 100mph. In doing so, the westbound Oldsmobile became airborne over the RR tracks located just east of US 41 causing the driver to lose control as he passed westbound through the US 41 intersection eventually rolling over. The combative driver, 40-year-old Jason Donovan of Sullivan, IN., was detained at the scene by Trooper Woodruff and Indiana State Excise Police officers Captain Bill Turner and Corporal Emily Turner, then transported by Trans Care EMS to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. After treatment, Donovan was incarcerated in the Vigo County Jail.
Preliminary charges are: Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated-Refusal; Resisting Law Enforcement; Receiving Stolen Auto Parts; Reckless Driving; and numerous other traffic violations.
The 2001 Oldsmobile was reported stolen on April 14, 2017 from the city of Sullivan, IN.
Assisting Trooper Courtland Woodruff were ISP Sergeant Chris Wright, Indiana State Excise Police, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Trans Care EMS, and Linton Township Fire/Rescue.
Book-in photo attached.
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
